Word Study: A Differentiated Approach to Spelling Instruction

Tiffany Johnson & Jan Stilwell Title I Reading Instructional Specialists

What is word study?

A developmental instructional model for teaching phonics, decoding and vocabulary. Spelling is all about PATTERNS. Students learn to recognize patterns instead of memorizing every single letter of every single word.

What is word study?

Word study teaches students to examine and discover regularities, patterns, and rules Word study increases specific knowledge of words--the spelling and meaning of individual words

Word study will make teachers observers of how students read and write; what they know and what they dont know.

Word study is a true integration reading and writing.

Word study leads to fluent reading and comprehension of text.

Assessment
Instruction is based on assessment data of spelling features PALS; Pre/post spelling features test Bi-weekly assessments (five days)
Writing sort* Correct use of words in well constructed sentences* Traditional spelling test Add two or three words that are not on the list or from the basal text as bonus words*

Use of assessment data

To create small groups

To determine features of study

when to move to a different feature continue practice with the same feature with different words Different assessments for different groups because they are studying different features

Students writing and mistakes they make while reading aloud orally Ongoing

Features to study
Phonics and vocabulary instruction based on assessment information Developmental progression based on phonetic/spelling/writing research (Ed Henderson)
A suggested progress will be provided

Features students use and confuse while reading or writing

Ex. Short e and long ie

Features to study
Teach words based on meaning: affixes
3rd grade + requirements for SOL Tests

Incorporate words from reading material Start with an easy concept to teach the instructional routine

Principles of Word Study

1. Look for what students use but confuse.

2. Easier for students to learn when they already know something about that feature.
3. A step backward is a step forward.
Compare words that they have previously learned with new words.

Principles of Word Study

4. Compare words that do with words that dont.
If students are confusing short e and short i contrast those words in a sort.

5. Sort by sound and sight.

R controlled sort er and ur sound the same, first sort all r controlled patterns by sound ar, or, ir, er/ur and then by sight. (5 columns only
after teaching all features)

6. Begin with obvious contrasts first.

Dont contrast short e and i, they sound too much alike.

Principles of Word Study

7. Dont hide exceptions. Highlight oddball words.
They are always there.

8. Avoid rules.
There are too many exceptions.

9. Work for automaticity. 10. Return to meaningful texts*

Stages of Spelling Development

Emergent Letter name Within word Syllable and Derivational affixes relations sample record combine record
combination 5th+ meaning of a word is related to its spelling 3rd to 9th single syllable patterns apply to words with more than one syllable, accented syllables

Pre-K to early K

K to 2nd

1st to 5th learn that more than one letter can represent a sound within a word

write one scribbles letter for and random most of the letters sounds that they hear

Instructional time
Instructional time 10-15/group 10 10 10 15 Word Study Activity

Small group instruction to introduce or reinforce features Word sort

Writing sort Speed sort or instructional activity Assessment

Instructional Routine
Sequence of instructional activities is based on a routine
Day 1- Small group instruction to introduce features of study Day 2- Word sort Day3- Writing sort Day 4- Speed sort or game (teach one or two well) Day 5- Assessment

Extend the number of days if necessary

Instructional Routine
Components of a strong reading class (will find these in any core reading program)

Comprehension

Small group instruction and in work stations

Word Study

Word study activities are mainly done independent of the teacher in small groups, with partners or individually after initial instruction.

Fluency

Activities
Word sorts
Open and closed sorts Speed sort Writing sort Partner sort Create sorting cards

Materials
Word study notebook (teacher made or spiral) Sorting materials and word sort templates File folders Scissors Timer

Activities
Games
File folder games Card games Vocabulary activities

Word Walls
Hangman If you Can Spell

Games/Activities Word Ladders Making Words

with letter tiles with one word

Concentration

Now, lets practice the instructional routine

Coursework UVA online course

Word Study EDIS 772W Session Dates: Sep 15, 2008 - Dec 15, 2008Tuition: Instate: $666.00 VCU

Word Study: A Differentiated Approach to Spelling Instruction

Tiffany Johnson & Jan Stilwell Title I Reading Instructional Specialists