In order to move students forward in reading and writing, it is essential to have efficient and effective instruction in word study.

Fourth grade Word Journeysprovides this instruction through a researched-based approach that allows students to receive instruction at their developmental level. Our word study program addresses foundational skills (phonics), spelling, and vocabulary through working with words: examining, manipulating, comparing, and categorizing.

Word Journeys does not use traditional spelling tests. Instead, we use the child-centered approach that helps students recognize and learn to apply sound, pattern, and meaning in their sorts and beyond isolated lists.

Remember: The words that your children bring home each week are not intended to be memorized for a test.Instead, help them sort and categorize the word cards based on the headings or key words (such as CVC, –ion, or -ed). The headings are written in bold.

Word Sort Activities for Spelling PatternSorts to support your child at home Include:

Students will use their word cards for the following activities.

Sort the Words (Closed Sort)

Mix up the cards so they are in random order. During this activity, the student correctly reads each word aloud, places the word under a category, and explains why it belongs there.

You can extend critical thinking by asking your child tocompare and contrastthe words. For instance, why does that word not fit under the other categories? How are the categories similar? Different? How are the word patterns the same or different under each category?

Speed Sort (Type of Closed Sort)

Mix up the cards and place them FACE DOWN. During this activity,the student sorts the words 3 different times as quickly as possible while being timed.

After completing Sort 1, this is the “time to beat.” Your child’s goal during sort 2 and 3 is to beat previous times. Remember to mix up the cards. No cheating! 

Blind Sort (also known as the “sound sort”)

During this activity, the student hears the words read by someone else and sorts them under the correct heading without seeing the spelling.

Lay down the sort headings and then read the rest of the words aloud to your child. Your child must indicate by pointing or saying where each word goes (without seeing the word). Lay the word card down and let your child move it if he or she is wrong.Do not give hints and check the sort after all the cards are placed. Go over mistakes. Repeat if your child makes more than one error.

Blind Sort with Spelling

Use the same procedures as the Blind Sort but ask your child to spell the word before the card is placed under the category. Blind sorts with spelling build and evaluate how well your child uses sound clues and retains mental “pictures” of the words and spelling patterns.

Blind Writing Sort

Given like a spelling test, you call out the words in random order but ask your child to write them into the sorting categories. Call out any words your child misspells a second or even third time.

Word Hunt

Assist your child in doing a word hunt, looking for words in a familiar book that have the same sound, pattern or both. Try to find 2 or 3 for each category. Make new cards or write them in your Word Study notebook.

: