Words Their Way Activities

These are the activities that we do in class.

First Sort- Hand out the new sort sheet. Students cut off the edges and put them in recycling.
Then they cut out the words and sort them into the correct categories. When done they raise
their hands for the teacher to check and they read the words in each category making
corrections if there are any. Once the teacher has found some students who know the
categories well the teacher makes these students checkers and they can check on any student
with their hand up as well.

1st Writing Sort Students sort their words into the categories. Then in the Writing section of
their binders, they write out the sort using their own spelling. Teacher checks that they have
the right number of words in each category and they used the correct spelling pattern being
taught.

Label Sort Project the labelled sort sheet, students label their own pictures, then sort them
again. Then they compare this sort to their 1st writing sort to notice any spelling differences.
They do not need to correct any spelling.

2nd Writing Sort Students sort out their words into the proper categories. Then they write
down each category and each word in those categories using the standard spelling that they
labelled their words with.

Word Hunt Take out the 2nd Writing Sort. Draw a horizontal line at the bottom of each
category. Now find 3-5 new words to go in each category.

Buddy Speed Sort In partners, one student says the words while the other student points to
which category the word goes in. Check together then reverse roles.

Final Sort Give students a blank 3-hole page. They glue their categories at the top of the page
(horizontally or vertically which ever fits better, they may need to use both sides of the sheet)
and then glue their words into the correct category. Name at the top and hand in for the
teacher to check and see if they really did learn the word.