We are using Words Their Way, a developmental approach to word study in 3rd grade. In early September, students were given a spelling inventory to assess their understanding of common spelling patterns found in written English. From there, we placed students into groups within the continuum of spelling development based on their individual results from the assessment. By doing so, we are able to meet the individual and unique needs of each student, reinforcing concepts that they are just beginning to master and introduce new patterns to extend their knowledge.
The five stages of spelling development are: Emergent-Early Letter Name; Letter Name; Within Word Pattern, Syllables and Affixes, and Derivational Relations. Each stage has its own characteristics and features which also align with the characteristics of readers and writers at these various stages.
During Word Study in class, students work with words in a variety of ways. Each two-week lesson begins with a word sort, where students sort the words in their "list" in a variety of ways, depending on the focus for that particular set of words. Words can be sorted using pictures, sounds or spelling patterns in order to draw attention to the feature of those words. Other activities that students may complete while working with their words include: writing sentences, alphabetical order, blind sorts, dictionary/thesaurus work, a variety of spelling games, and more.
Students are given an assessment at the end of the two-week lesson (usually, the second Thursday) to see if they have mastered the spelling pattern in a typical "spelling test" format. Occasionally, students may be asked to sort their words, too, in order to see that they fully understand the concept. Students are also asked to write sentences that are dictated to them to assess grammar skills.
