Spelling+Resources

=Spelling Resources= [|Podcast: Interview with Donald Bear], one of the authors of Words Their Way

Spelling Inventory, Elementary: WTW Online Pre-Test Directions for Teachers

Interactive Technology:
Create Your Own Sort Games:
 * 1) [|Trashcan]: Students enter their words into up to four different columns and then do a timed sort into different "bins"
 * 2) [|Jigsaw]: Students type their words (or you type them ahead of time and save) and then sort them into columns by joining the puzzle together.

The following websites have interactive spelling activities, quizzes and games that, while not based around Words Their Way, offer some additional challenges and practice for your spelling groups.
 * 1) [|Spelling City]: A large site that allows students to play games and create quick spelling quizzes for themselves. A nice feature is that the quizzes will contain audio prompts.
 * 2) [|Fourth Grade Skills]: A link page for a variety of games in multiple subjects. Scroll down for the spelling items.
 * 3) [|Fifth Grade Skills:] A link page for a variety of games in multiple subjects. Scroll down for the spelling items.
 * 4) [|Sixth Grade Skills:] A link page for a variety of games in multiple subjects. Scroll down for the spelling items
 * 5) [|Puzzlemaker]: Create vocabulary puzzles

Files for Download:

 * 1) Homework Letter: [[file:Spelling Letter to Home.doc]]
 * 2) Letter to Parents: [[file:WordStudyParentLetter.doc]]
 * 3) Blank Spelling Test Paper: [[file:Spelling Test Blank.doc]]
 * 4) Spelling Test Form w/ area for Generalizations:[[file:WTWAsses.doc]]
 * 5) Another Test Form: [[file:WTWAssess.doc]]

Best Practices:
General:
 * Color code your groups. Copying the sorts on a certain color will assure that students do not get their lists mixed with another group. ALthough they still can mix them up WITHIN their group. : )
 * Make two copies of sorts: One for home and one for school.
 * Have students keep their word cards in a ziploc baggie or a zippered pencil case.
 * All students can have a spelling notebook to keep each sort and complete homework
 * Have students glue a copy of the homework schedule inside thier spelling notebook.
 * Have students write in the generalization for the sorts inside the notebook before the sort list or cut out and glue in the following format:
 * Copy the answer key and have students glue that into the notebook (Be sure that the key is correct! Some are not!)

Scheduling:
 * Use a Cycle schedule beginning on Day 1 and assessing on Day 6
 * Introduce the words on Day 1 in place of a portion of your language arts block.
 * Use daily practice of 10 -15 minutes
 * As morning work
 * As part of guided reading for centers or seatwork.
 * Sample Schedule for a Daily Cycle format: [[file:WTW_Sample_Schedule.doc]]

For Derivational Groups introduce some form of **vocabulary** practice.
 * [|Definition Lookup: Word Wizard]
 * [|Build a Dictionary Page]
 * [|Quizlet]: Create word/definition activities and quizzes

Test Administration:
 * Train parents to administer the spelling test to one group at a time while you conduct a lesson with the remainder of the students
 * Use Audio Recorder to record the test ahead of time. Have students listen to their sort list on the laptops with headphones. The students then write or type the test at their own pace.