Phonological Awareness/Phonics/Word Analysis and Phonics/Spelling/Grammar/Punctuation
Becoming fully literate is absolutely dependent on fast, accurate recognition of words in texts, and fast, accurate production of words in writing so that readers and writers can focus their attention on making meaning. Letter-sound correspondences, phonics, spelling patterns, high frequency word recognition, decoding, word meanings, and other word attributes are the basis of written word knowledge (Bear, Invernizzi & Templeton, 2008).
Word study is a key component of a balanced literacy curriculum. In our balanced literacy classrooms Grades 1-5, teachers use Words Their Way to provide explicit instruction on phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling and vocabulary.
In reading, word study focuses on both decoding and deriving meaning of words in a text. It provides opportunities for developing phonemic awareness, practicing segmenting, blending, syllabication, and expanding and learning the structural analysis of words (e.g., synonyms, antonyms, root words, prefixes, suffixes). Students, for example, are taught to examine words to discover the regularities, patterns and conventions of our language which are needed to read and spell.
Word study in writing focuses on the development of both spelling skills and the study of grammar and punctuation. In primary classrooms, this can range from supporting students in the development process from phonetic spelling to conventional writing. In intermediate classrooms, it focuses on the study of words: their spelling, structure, usage as well as the conventions of grammar.
It is important to emphasize that word study differs from traditional spelling programs because word study includes the teaching of phonemic awareness, phonics, and vocabulary as well as spelling. Spelling, in other words, is only one part of word study. By teaching these skills in context students develop a repertoire of strategies they can use flexibly to spell, read and determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
- Words Their Way Cover Page
- Words Their Way Teaching Tips
- Words Their Way Spelling Stages
- Words Their Way Unlocking Literacy Resource
- Words Their Way Bibliography
- Words Their Way Level B Content Knowledge
- Words Their Way Level C Content Knowledge
- Words Their Way Level D Content Knowledge
- Words Their Way Level E Content Knowledge
- How Words Cast Their Spell; An Article About the English Spelling System
- Yearlong Words Their Way Class Assessment Data Collection Template (Excel)
Day 1 Sort video
A Blind Sort
