When I taught second grade, word sorts were my favorite way of giving my students a hands on, multi-sensory way to practice letter recognition, spelling patterns and word families. Now, I am teaching Kindergarten and I am using them again. In moving schools, I lost my “big book of word sorts” , so now I am creating my own and would love to share them with other teachers who are teaching young readers. The benefits of using word sorts are many and in this post, I will share the benefits that I have found of using word sorts in my classroom.
What Is A Word Sort ?
Various types of word sorts serve different purposes. The first type, known as a closed sort, involves the teacher providing students with a list of words and instructing them on which categories to place the words. An open word sort, on the other hand, requires students to decide how they will sort the given words and what categories they will use. Word sorts can be organized on index cards or within a worksheet. My favorite type of sort to use with young readers, is a cut and paste worksheet.
The Benefits
*Vocabulary Expansion:**
Word sorts provide an engaging platform for students to explore and expand their vocabulary. Students can categorize words based on specific criteria such as phonetic patterns, word families, or semantic relationships. Students not only learn new words but also gain a deeper understanding of language structures. This method promotes a richer and more diverse vocabulary, enabling students to express themselves more effectively in both written and spoken forms.
*Enhanced Phonemic Awareness:**
For early learners, building phonemic awareness is a crucial step in developing strong reading and writing skills. Word sorts focus on phonetic patterns, allowing students to identify and manipulate sounds within words. This hands-on approach aids in the development of phonemic awareness, making it easier for students to decode words and improve their overall reading abilities.
*Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving:**
Word sorts require students to analyze and categorize words based on specific criteria. This process not only reinforces their understanding of language but also cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students are challenged to identify patterns, make connections, and justify their choices, fostering a deeper level of cognitive engagement in the learning process.
*Customized Learning:**
One of the notable benefits of word sorts is their adaptability to different skill levels and learning styles. Teachers can tailor word sorts to suit the needs of individual students or groups, providing targeted support where necessary. This customization ensures that each student receives a personalized learning experience, allowing for better retention and application of language concepts.
*Promotion of Collaboration:**
Word sorts often involve collaborative activities, encouraging students to work together to categorize and discuss words. This collaborative learning environment not only enhances social skills but also facilitates the exchange of ideas and perspectives. Students can learn from each other, share insights, and collectively deepen their understanding of language concepts.
*Improved Spelling and Writing Skills:**
As students become more adept at recognizing and categorizing words through word sorts, they naturally improve their spelling and writing skills. The heightened awareness of phonetic patterns and word structures translates into more accurate spelling and a greater command of language conventions in written compositions.
In Kindergarten, I start with letter and picture sorts. Then, we move to beginning sounds, medial sounds, ending sounds and word families. The progression can continue with the spellings of long vowels and CVCe words. For older students, you can use these sorts for story vocabulary or even science, math, and history classes. The use of word sorts can be unending and I encourage any teacher who teaches reading to use them !!
– Jeanne
Click on the link below to grab the short vowel bundle !
