Fourth graders are using the program Words Their Way for our spelling development this year. This program provides skill-based instruction that focuses on examining and manipulating words, not memorizing them. Students will be thinking more critically about words and work on transferring their skills to reading and writing. 

To begin preparing for these crucial word sorts, students used a practice list to first cut out the words and then sort them into whatever category they may notice. Right away, students were sorting words based on spelling patterns, vowel sounds, and even syllables. As we continue this work, students will use 15 minutes of class, four days a week, working on activities such as word hunts in books and magazines, writing sentences and stories using words that pertain to the spelling pattern for that week, and meeting in small groups to focus on strategies and building skills. Students will not have a list to memorize, but will be encouraged during their nightly reading to find words that match their spelling patterns. Check out their first sort in the pictures!