Word Study Groups Begin This Week

What you can do at home:

1.   Each week we will send home some word lists and various header cards.  Have your child cut out the word cards and the different head cards.

2.  There will be directions on the header page that tells you what kinds of sorts the kids can do with their word cards.

a.   For example, they may be able to sort the words by vowel sound, beginning or ending sounds, or beginning and ending blends.  Sometimes students can sort their words in three or more different ways.

3.  Decide upon a way for your child to sort his/her cards.  Put those headers at the top of an open area (he/she will need some room to work).

4.  Let your child sort the word cards.  If he/she makes a mistake, don’t correct it right away.  You’ll have time to do that later.

5.  When your child is finished, go through each column and make sure he/she can pronounce each word and confirm that the word “fits” underneath the header.  This is the time to help them correct any mistakes.

6.  When finished, mix up the cards again and do a different sort if possible.

a.   If you can only do one type of sort, then try something called a “speed sort”.  Time how long it takes them to do the sort and see if he/she can beat the time.  They LOVE this!

7.  It is extremely important that your child can pronounce each word. Keep reviewing this if you find it is a little difficult.  They should know the meanings of the words as well.

8.  We will send home many different word sorts this year.

This is not official homework.  Nothing needs to be turned back into school.  We just thought this would be a fun, more productive, and a more meaningful way of studying spelling words with your child.  The days of copying word five or ten times each is gone.

Please do not hesitate to call or email if you have ANY questions or concerns.