Each week I send home a copy of the student's "Words Their Way" sort. Below are some fun ways to practice the sort throughout the week.
Regular Sort
Put your header cards (those that have the sound you are working on) in a row. Then sort the other cards in columns under those headers. Read your columns to an adult when you are finished. If you made any mistakes, the adult should give you hints, such as “there is one in this column that needs to move.”
Word Hunt
Write your sort headers down on paper. Look for words in books or around your house that have the same sounds or patterns as your sort words. When you find them, write them in columns under your headers. Read your lists to an adult when you are finished.
Sentences
Write complete sentences using your sort words. They should be interesting sentences that show you understand the meaning of the word. (Not sentences like, “I saw a truck.” or “I want a kite.”)
Blind Sort
Write your sort headers down on paper. An adult will read words to you. Without looking at the words, write them in the correct category.
Speed Sort
See how quickly you can sort your words into the given categories. Write down your time. Sort them again to see if you can beat your own time!
Syllable Sort
Break the words into syllables. Clap or write the number of syllables to help you find “chunks” of words and syllable patterns.
Open Sort
Choose your own way to sort the cards (don’t use the headers). Sort them into new categories. What patterns, sounds, or meanings do you see that are the same?
Regular Sort
Put your header cards (those that have the sound you are working on) in a row. Then sort the other cards in columns under those headers. Read your columns to an adult when you are finished. If you made any mistakes, the adult should give you hints, such as “there is one in this column that needs to move.”
Word Hunt
Write your sort headers down on paper. Look for words in books or around your house that have the same sounds or patterns as your sort words. When you find them, write them in columns under your headers. Read your lists to an adult when you are finished.
Sentences
Write complete sentences using your sort words. They should be interesting sentences that show you understand the meaning of the word. (Not sentences like, “I saw a truck.” or “I want a kite.”)
Blind Sort
Write your sort headers down on paper. An adult will read words to you. Without looking at the words, write them in the correct category.
Speed Sort
See how quickly you can sort your words into the given categories. Write down your time. Sort them again to see if you can beat your own time!
Syllable Sort
Break the words into syllables. Clap or write the number of syllables to help you find “chunks” of words and syllable patterns.
Open Sort
Choose your own way to sort the cards (don’t use the headers). Sort them into new categories. What patterns, sounds, or meanings do you see that are the same?