Effective Word Work Time

I re-posted this from another blog I host, but added a list of apps that can be used to teach word work.....

I've recently become interested in activities that take place during word work time. Pretty soon I found myself searching for activities that seem to be the most effective instructional practices to use in the classroom. 

Sorting 
Students sort words into according to certain criteria, which helps them learn patterns within words. According to the Words Their Way word study program, there are different types of sorts that can be used during word work time.

• Sound sort -- using the phonemes in the words or pictures
• Pattern sort -- grouping words following a certain pattern
• Meaning sort -- words with same meanings have similar spelling patterns
• Concept sort -- link vocabulary with student understanding
• Closed sort -- teacher gives students the categories/headers to use with this sort.
• Open sort -- student determine categories and sort own words
• Repeated sort -- allow student to work through the sort more than one time.
• Buddy sort -- sort, read, and discuss collaboratively throughout the sort with another student.
• Blind sort -- headers are used and student indicates where the word belongs.
• Writing sort -- writing words into categories, students are paying attention to sounds or patterns.
• Word sort -- student hunt through their reading and writing  words for additional examples
• Speed sort -- using a timer and comparing their own speeds with sorts

Resources to use with sorting:

• Speed Sort Documentation Template
• Instructional Sheets for the Different Sorts (scroll to the bottom of page for links)
• Word Sort Center Packet (Google Doc.)
• Powerpoint for WTW Sorts (check this out!)

Practicing Words

• Whiteboards (use with a buddy, one student says the word and the other student writes the word on whiteboard)
• Write with dry erase marker on desktop
• Spelling City website or app
• Bang Game...drawing cards out of container, read word, keep if right, put back if wrong, if bang card all your cards go back in container.

Apps for Word Work
Magnetic Board for teachers and students 
Magnetic ABC
Alphabetizing
ABC Ninja
Spelling Sight Words With Scaffolding
Sight Words
Sound Sorting Beginning Sounds

Additional Resources

Words Their Way Activities

Sound Board for Beginning Consonants (black/white)

Sound Board for Beginning Consonants (color)

Sound Board for Beginning Blends (black/white)

Sound Board for Beginning Blends (color)
Spelling Chunks & Chunk Strips

Word Families and Examples

Long Vowel Word Race & Long Vowel Dominoes (scroll down to links)

Spin a Word -- Prefix Word Building Game (scroll down to link)

SMART board Games (scroll for link)

Phonogram Connect Four Game

Consonant Digraph Board Game

WTW Board Variety Games -- Google Doc.

ABC Teach Word Family Slides

Creative Word Study Activities

Carl's Corner

Can anyone suggest further effective activities?