How do you help students master spelling patterns?
Current research tells us the drill and kill method of giving students a list of words on Monday and then testing on Friday, just doesn't cut it. This traditional method doesn't help kids discover patterns in words or help them see the how the English language can be predictable.
So what should teachers do instead? The answer: Word study.
What is word study?
According to this Reading Rockets article, word study provides students with opportunities to investigate an understand the patterns in words. When students have a knowledge in word patterns, this means they won't have to spell words one at a time.
Often times one of the main components of word study is word sorts. Word sorts are typically organized around a phonics concept (short vowels, blends, digraphs, silent e, etc.). Teachers provide direct instruction in the given phonics pattern and then let students "play" with the language through sorts. There are SO MANY types of sorts you can do with students, along with a ton of extension activities. The best part--when students are sorting the words they are training their brain to compare, contrast, categorize and find patterns in the words.
Using word sorts will help students become better spellers AND better readers! According to "Why America Can't Read" by J. Richard Gentry published in Psychology Today there is unequivocal research that proves that spelling matters for reading. Dr. Gentry cites research from cognitive psychologist Dan Willingham that states spelling is the spark that ignites reading circuity in our brains, and if teaching spelling is done effectively it will help solve America's reading problems.
Have I piqued your interest in sorts yet?
Stay tuned to this blog series, where I will cover all you need to know about word sorts!
Post 1: Why Use Sorts
Post 2: Types of Sorts
Post 3: Word Sort Instructional Routines
Post 4: Assessment & The Spelling Inventory
Post 5: Word Sort Resources
