Words Their Way

Words Their Way is a word study/spelling program which is individualised to students developmental needs. Each student is tested to find out which spelling stage they fall within and what gaps are missing in their spelling knowledge. Students are re-tested frequently so that their progress can be monitored.


The powerful element of this program is the process of grouping words into specific categories. Students are involved in a teacher lead discussion and make discoveries which in turn allows them to form generalisations about spelling rules.


Monday – Cut and sort

Remind your child to sort the words into the categories like the ones we did in school. Your child can read aloud during this activity. Ask your child to explain to you why the words are sorted in a particular way – what does the sort reveal about spelling in general? Ask your child to sort them a second time as fast as possible.


Tuesday – Sort and write

Ask you child to sort their words again and then write these into their homework book. they will need to write down the date, the title of the sort and the column headings before beginning. Once he/she has written them out, ask your child to read the columns to make sure each work is in its correct position.


Wednesday – Blind sort

Lay down a word from each category as a header and then read the rest of the words aloud. Your child must indicate where the word goes without seeing it. Lay it down and let your child move it if he or she is wrong. Repeat if your child makes more than one error.


Thursday – Word Hunt and Reflection

Ask your child to write the date, sort title and column headings. As you call out the words in random order, your child should write them in their categories. Call out any words your child misspells a second or third time. Once complete, they can then search through a reader to find other words that use the sore rule and write them underneath. Try to find at least two for each column. Your child will then need to write the following two sentences under the writing sort and reflect

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *