[sfeller]

I'm implementing the word sorts from the Words Their Way book for the first time this year. I've already assessed, but I'm not sure how to start instruction since I'll have 3 groups. In the book, it says to check out the companion website for a detailed 2-week schedule to introduce the program, but the site is "under construction" and I can't find the info. anywhere. Does anyone have this info. or what they do with this program the first two weeks?

Thanks!

[TeAcHeRinFL]

We use this program as well, but start on lesson 1 that's in the book. There is also a cd-rom that comes with it. I don't use it during reading groups as there is no time to do that, so I use it as a response center.

[love2read]

I use the word lists in the back of the book and make up my own sorts. I usually have them compare 3 things (for example,words ending with ang, ing, ung), but sometimes 2 or 4 headers works better. I make a chart in Word and explain at the top of the page what is being sorted. Then I do the headings in bold, slightly larger font and list 5 or 6 words for each header. I do not put the words under the correct header. We work together to cut the charts apart and sort the words to where they belong. It is a pain to make the sorts during the first year but if you save them you won't have to do it again. Also, I print each of my groups on different colored paper so lost words are easier to place. I give each student a copy of words to cut and sort at school on Monday and then I give them another copy to take home to work with there. On Friday, I test them on about 12 of the words I've given them and then I ask them to come up with another word for each column that suits the sort so I can see if they get it. They can use words they studied but that I didn't use on the test, or they can think of something else. You can buy books with pre-made sorts but I find that doing it myself gives me just what I want. Hope this helps.

I like your initiative in making your own sorts! I also really like having them come up with another word on their own.

It's true, the first year you implement this is a load of work, but like love2read said, if you save everything, then you don't have to do it again. I spent a summer making the games--that was a lot of work, and you don't have to do it--but the kids like them, and they're a nice reinforcement that feels like free time to them.

As far as the first couple of weeks, I don't know what grade you teach, or how many kids, but I can tell you what I'm doing in sixth. I have close to 100 kids. I did this with my low kids last year, and this year, I am implementing it core-wide. We'll see how it goes.

I really think you need to model this to death the first few times. Some of your kids will come to you having done this, and some will never have seen it. It can be helpful to start with a concept sort, just so they get the idea of sorting: Give them different shapes in macaroni and have them sort. Then have them say why they sorted the macaroni as they did. Most will have done it by shape, which is obvious, but some will do it by size. This is from kindergarten, actually, but it works really well up here too, in demonstrating what a sort is.

Move onto an actual sort (use a low level one) and model the whole thing: cutting, sorting, articulating the generalization, and then copying the sort into their word study notebook, and writing the generalization. I let my kids work in pairs, and so I usually model how I discuss with a partner what I see in the words. Next time, have the class tell you how to sort the words, and let them come up with the generalization. Everybody writes it in their notebooks, again.

Then they're ready to do sorts on their own. This year, I'm going to use "centers" to do this. I won't take time out of my instruction, after those two times, to do word sorts anymore, as a general rule. I'm going to laminate manila envelopes and just tack them up in the back of the room, and tell them that they're responsible for getting their sort every week and doing it with their partner.

Assessing is the hard part for me. I'm not sure how to assess them authentically. I can't require them to use the words in their writing, as that takes the authenticity out of it. I'm thinking of just grading notebooks.

[NoVaTeacher]

Since it is your first year with the program (and it can be overwhelming), you may want to look into purchasing books that already have the sorts made. I bought mine from Amazon. They have 4 books (Letter Name, Within Word, Syllables and Affixes, and Derviational Relations). The books are written by the same people who created Words Their Way. It makes my life so much easier b/c I just photocopy the sort I need. The books explain how to teach each sort and they also include extension activities (which usually include harder words that fit the same pattern).

[sfeller]

Thanks so much for the info.! I'm feeling a little better about this now!