Words Their Way is the program we use in Salle 21 to help students see and sort words by common patterns. Students are placed using spelling pretests called inventories. These inventories include words and patterns from all of the spelling developmental stages. Your child will work on words that best fit their needs. Most weeks, students will receive a list of words with two to four patterns.
Weekly Homework
Students will have word study homework throughout the week. They will receive new words on most Mondays (no word study on shortened weeks). Here are some ideas to practice spelling at home:
- Sort the words into the patterns, as I demonstrated in class. They may need help by hearing the words spoken by an older sibling, parent, or another adult in the house.
- Look, say, cover, write, check.
- Put the list of words into alphabetical order.
- Dictionary definitions. Practice using a dictionary to find the definition of a word. Websites like dictionary.com can help, although I encourage paper dictionaries, too.
- Mock spelling test. Read him or her the words and have him or her spell the words. Then focus on the incorrect spellings.
Weekly Sentences
Every Wednesday, students must hand in ten sentences they have made using their words. Each sentence should use one word to show they understand what the word means. Sentences can be any length, as long as they are properly capitalized, punctuated, and spelled.
Ongoing Assessment
A weekly test will occur Friday to see if students can apply their learning.
