Words Their Way: Word Study In Action:
WTW is based on sorting. Students are always looking for similarities and differences between words to then be able to generalize rules and patterns. This is a purposeful process and requires some important front end instruction to be sure students are actively thinking while sorting. Word Study routines vary by classroom, but the program generally is run as follows:
Students are given an assessment to see what their developmental stage is. Teachers use student writing as well to determine the best starting point for instruction. Students are then grouped together with similar students.
Word Sheets are given to students. They should read the words on the page before cutting to be sure they know how to say them and what they mean. Then words are cut out and sorted carefully.
Once the Words are sorted, students look for discoveries about the words. They read the words out loud to check for similarities in sound and pattern.
They consider, what do all the words in a column have in common? Group discussions will flesh out the important understandings.
Students sort the words a few more times throughout the week to build speed and accuracy.
For an explanation of the word stages Within Word, Syllables and Affixes, and Derivational Relations click here