Welcome to post three in the all about word sort series. This post will focus on the instructional routine I use with my students when sorting words. This is the "what" students do with their word sorts.
If you are interested in the "why" behind word sorts, make sure to read the first post in this series by clicking here. Are you curious what types of sorts there are? Then, make sure to read post two in the series which describes 15 different ways to sort words! You can read post two by clicking here.
My instructional routine for word sorts is predictable. I love having a prescribed way of doing things that allows learning to move forward in a structured and predictable manner. Routines are great--as they help students learn as efficiently as possible! Below is the word sort routine my small reading groups follow.
Day 1--Cut and sort the words. Direct instruction is given on the pattern of the sort. Students also highlight the pattern in each word on their sort
Day 2-- Sort the words and write them. Students typically have a word work notebook they use, but writing the words can be easily done with a piece of paper and pencil.
Day 3-- Open sort the words. Students sort their words any way they wish. All options are open, as long as the student is able to explain the way he/she sorted. Illustrate the words.
Day 4-- Speed sort (timed sort). Students sort the words as fast as they can. For extra fun, students keep track of their time and then try to beat their time.
Day 5--Blind sort or game. Students work with a partner. Headers are placed at the top of the page. Partner A picks up a word and reads it aloud. Partner B tries to correctly write the word in the correct category. Partner A checks Partner B's work.
Day 6-- Transfer test. A test is orally given by the teacher. If the student has 80% accuracy on the assessment, he/she is able to progress to the next sort. If a student does not achieve 80% mastery, they cycle through the routine again.
Within my small reading groups, I devote about 5-8 minutes to word sorts a day or about 25 minutes per week. I only have students for thirty minutes total a day--so other instructional items fill our time slot. According to research from literacy professor Donald R. Bear, teachers should spend 15-20 minutes introducing a sort and then 10-15 minutes per day with subsequent word sort activities. When I was a full time classroom teacher, I devoted about 20 minutes per day to word work.
My instructional routine works for me and my students, but there are lots of routines out there. Check out what these other teacher authors do:
A Teacher's Guide to Words Their Way by Second Story Window
Words Their Way the 5 Day Plan by Big Time Literacy
Word Study Routine by Tarheel State Teacher
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