Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Spelling with Words Their Way and a new student

I don't know how it's done in other districts but in my district it seems that spelling programs aren't dictated by district or school, but grade levels or teachers can choose their program.  Many teachers use the Harcourt spelling lists that accompany the week's studies.  This just doesn't meet the needs of my ELLs, so I was thrilled when working as resource teacher with a wonderful third grade team they piloted Words Their Way.  

Words Their Way is a spelling program that is based on the development of each student in terms of letter/word/pattern awareness.  I really love this program!  It provides automatic differntiation.  Students are all assessed and then grouped according to their performance.  The general assessment assesses their spelling of beginning and ending sounds, short vowels, blends, long vowel patterns, etc..

At the beginning of the year I looked all over the internet for Words Their Way resources.  I found one great website that helped with the general setup of the words their way materials and routine.  Check it out!  It suggested that each student have their own folder, notebook, envelope.  Here is what ours looks like:

Messy bin with folders that are color coded for groups
 Each folder has a number on it that corresponds to the numbers my students are assigned at the beginning of the year, this is more for me since the kids remember their color easily.
 Inside the folder is a notebook and envelope where keep their cut up words for their sort.
I should keep a crayon in here to for students to color the back of their sort before cutting it, this helps in case a student misplaces one of their words...happens way too often!
Here is an example of one of our weekly routines.  Students write the sort in their notebook and write sentences to go with their words.

Here is a look at our routine (on a good week)
Monday: Introduce new sort, cut and practice.
Tuesday: Sort and write in notebook (see above)
Wednesday: Blind sort - work with partner and one partner says words while the other without seeing the words identifies which category the word belongs in.
Thursday: Students work in groups of 2-3.  Students take turns choosing a word and saying the word in a sentence of at least 5 words.  This is great practice for my ELLs to use the words in context and they get super excited when they can say sentences of more than 5 words.
Friday: Practice with partner before taking the test.

In my next posts I'll share more about homework, supplemental resources and tools.  If your team is thinking about using Words Their Way, I highly recommend it!!!!


Onto other news...I've been sooooo lucky this year because my class has not changed once since we started the school year.  No students left and no students moved in.  This is unheard of in our school, but somehow I got lucky!  Our first grade bilingual teacher has had more move-ins and move outs ever, it's OUT OF CONTROL!  But Monday marked the end of my change-free year.  


My new student is straight from Mexico and speaks NO English.  This is a good challenge for me, because I know this won't be the last time I find myself in this situation.  However, it is a challenge because all of my students are English dominant at this point in the year and we're really working hard so they'll be confident English readers and writers.  My new student needs very intense ESL instruction, he needs basic English vocabulary that my other students have already mastered.  


So, I'm looking for a solution.  He will be in an English classroom next year so I need to get him ready.  I think I'll have him on Rosetta Stone, taking home Reading A-Z books in English and Spanish, buddying up with someone, and I'm going to investigate the Words Their Way ESL component as well.  




Cheers,
Laura
Pin It

71 comments:

  1. Hey!! I'm having a giveaway with all the word sorts I use with my first graders!! I just posted about Words Their Way yesterday:) stop by and leave a comment on my post and I'll put you in the drawing to win the packet!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your whole district exits kids after second grade? That is ridic.

    I tried WTW earlier this year because the spelling words in my program were not just working for my class. However, I found that I had kids ALL OVER the spectrum... like they were way too far apart to group appropriately. So it sort of fell apart because I couldn't keep up with seeing all of my groups and challenging everyone AND still doing our regular literacy stuff.......... ugh.

    But someday.... when I have a job in a real school.... I want to try again. :)

    Marvelous Multiagers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Jill...they don't exit, but they are integrated into a regular education classroom. They then receive support from a Bilingual Resource teacher...but still 3rd grade is a very tough transitional year.

      I can see how WTW might be hard for a multiage class because you really would have kids all over the place. I hadn't thought of that, way to rain on my WTW parade! ;)
      Laura

      Delete
    2. Haha!! I don't know if it would be hard with EVERY multiage class.... but as far as me, I had one kid come in basically a non-reader. And I have a girl who has read all the Harry Potter books. And only having 12 kids, I had maybe 2 kids who were close to the same level. I think if my class was bigger, I'd have a better chance of being able to make homogeneous groups!!!

      Delete
    3. I have used Words Their way for 4 years now. I love it. This past year I worked in a 3/4 grade classroom and the years before that were grades 3-5. I find WTW was extremely useful for a multi-aged classroom. It let the kids work at their own ability level. This past year I had the same situation where 1 student couldn't read very well and a student that read the Harry Potter books. It worked because that student was challenged in his own group and was done quickly enough and could then take over for me. (I was working with the low student.) He ( or anybody else from his group)worked with the student and was able to teach him. Kids love to teach each other.
      I am so happy that my school found WTW and we all use it. Last year, I had 4 spelling groups for 14 kids. That is my norm. This year I expect to have 3. In the past, I have had 6 groups for 18 kids. The day was structured very differently. Once you give it a little while, it works and is so beneficial for all the students and myself.

      Delete
    4. Jill,
      I, too, hope to work at a "real" school someday. Ha, ha.

      Delete
  3. For your ell drill him on sight words and blends like - tion
    -able etc...we have a Spanish immersion program so early exit isn't an option

    ReplyDelete
  4. I really like the idea of having kids pick a word and then SAY a sentence! Such a simple, but great! idea :o)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Corrina,

      It really does make all the difference! Thanks for stopping by!
      Laura

      Delete
  5. I think I could incorporate it into my Harcourt Journey's Program. Where can I find this? I have a Math Their Way book. I have never used it though. I like the way it allows free exploration of different skills. I might try to use it this year for centers. I'm scared to deviate from the curriculum assigned by the district. Our county was a level 1 throughout except for one of the Junior highs.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Appreciate with this article having lots of sites that help too one of the best site I ever like when I need the Assignment Help is AssignmentFirm.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hey,

    I was having some problems finding a quick way to get spelling/word study assessments graded, and came across an app that helps with that. It’s called SmArTy-K12. The apps lets you plug in your spelling inventories and then assess your students’ responses manually or online. The app runs the grading calculations for me, covering points for initial and final consonants, short vowels, etc. It cut out hours of time I would have spent grading spelling tests.

    Now, I will say: it isn’t free. But, given how many hours I saved using it, it’s worth the pricetag. I’d say my free time’s worth the money. And I can avoid the headache of making sure that I’ve got my point totals done correctly, so thank goodness for that.

    It’s on the App Store here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/smarty-k12/id767644570
    The developer’s site, which has some more examples of what the app looks like in action, is here: http://www.spk12ed.com/smarty-k12.html. Go take a look at it and tell me what you think about it. I hope you love it as much as me!

    ReplyDelete
  8. good information http://top-10-writers.com/grademiners-com-review/ it is useful and informative there are a lot of thing and info

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great work I seen your article I will read It’s really useful for me, thank you so much for share this wonderful blog.
    Jeans Supplier in Delhi

    ReplyDelete
  10. Actually I don’t like to comment on blog but I deeply read your article it’s really useful, thank you so much for share this wonderful information.
    Rajasthan Motorcycle Tours

    ReplyDelete
  11. Your blog provided us with valuable information, thank you so much for share this awesome information and helpful article.
    Lifestyle Magazine

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thank you so much for share your article,It’s provided us with valuable knowledge, Visit our website for transportation company.
    Sea Freight Company in Delhi

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks for sharing the useful and informative information, i like your all articles. i am also a blogger, writing different - different topics. If you are interested to reading my website articles, please read once - Finance Assignment Help

    ReplyDelete
  14. Computer Science Assignment Helpoffers effective writing services to scholars who need assistance for drafting their academic papers. Choose online assignment writing services for instant and quick response to resolve your doubts.
    Computer Science Homework Help
    PEEL Paragraph

    ReplyDelete
  15. Nice Post
    When I attempt to print the documents through my printing machine, my printing machine is showing offline status. I don’t know exactly why my HP printer is showing offline status. I have an urgent task, so I want to get the print outs through my HP printer, but the printing machine is showing offline status. I don’t have resolutions how do I get my printer online? I have tried my technical skills for resolving printer offline problem. So please anyone can suggest the easy tips to solve HP printer offline issue. I am waiting for your answer.
    hp envy 4500
    how to get printer online
    how to turn printer online
    how to make printer online
    hp envy 4500 driver

    ReplyDelete
  16. The printer is one of the most important devices in this current era that are being used in the different places such as home, office, school, and others. Is it accurate to say that you are getting specialized issues with your HP printer? In the event that indeed, at that point don't stress, contact Printer Support(link is external) to get prompt assistance from confirmed specialists to fix the issue How to Install HP printer on windows 10?. You will get a total answer for all your questions.

    ReplyDelete
  17. How Can I Use Garmin Map Update? What are the benefits of using the Garmin map updates? These are some of the most frequently asked questions over the web related to the Garmin. Garmin devices are of the most useful devices for navigation and travel related needs.

    ReplyDelete
  18. We are a famous and experienced SEO Services Company that is cherished for the wonderful and result-driven approach among the customers. By providing great satisfaction to the customers, we have earned a long list of customers.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Due to some technical faults, it is not working fine. So, it has become a big hurdle for me. To improve the performance of my printing device, I want to update HP envy 7640 driver. I don’t have enough experience to complete this process. So anyone can help me in updating HP envy 7640 driver.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I declare the Department of Education's support for this program and in my view have the option of choosing a program for teachers is a good strategy. Buy Essay Online UK

    ReplyDelete
  21. The CallCenter team serves you 24 hours a day and สล็อต ฟรีเคดิต ไม่ต้องฝาก offers a variety of other cash games, online lottery games, online games and popular casinos such as Baccarat, Baccarat, Baccarat, Baccarat, Fish Shooting Games

    ReplyDelete
  22. Online Netflix Customer Service Representative Phone Number, It was a sense of pride for us, he said he did not recall Hastings being named during the call as the company's CEO. There's someone here who has a consumer service who is so interested in better himself that he's not going to be afraid to talk to his customers. In the latest survey of public relations company APCO, Netflix's customer service strategy has led to its status as one of the most loved brands. Still, good for the company, though. Netflix just makes money from high-quality customer support.

    ReplyDelete
  23. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I really like this blog thanks. You have really helped lots of people who visit blogs and provide them useful information. We at Getfastservices, We have a year of the best experience in providing outstation driver service in Delhi/NCR. If you have any requirements regarding Outstation Driver Service in Delhi/NCR then you can contact us at +91-9599377203.

    ReplyDelete
  25. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thanks for sharing this information. I have shared this link with others to keep posting such information to provide the best in class assignment help online at very affordable prices.
    Marketing Assignment Help
    Math Homework Help
    Nursing Assignment Help
    programming assignment help
    statistics homework help
    Finance Homework Help
    Business Plan Help

    ReplyDelete
  27. Do you want to start with the data science, but don't know how to start? If yes, then here are some basics of statistics for data science to start with.
    statistics for data science


    Have a look at the best ever comparison between R vs python. Here you will come to know which one is best for data science.
    r vs Python

    ReplyDelete
  28. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Professional Nursing Assignment Help services is available from the nursing experts of My Assignment Help
    .Let Our Academic Experts Write Your Nursing Assignment and Help You Secure good Grades.

    ReplyDelete
  30. for any help with Python Homework help. To get in touch with these experts you need to visit their website and place your order. you can get the Python Assignment help the best price for the students.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Get Statistics Assignment Help Service From Professionals.My Assignment Help has a team of professionals that is full of statistics experts and guarantees you to provide an A+ grade solution at the lowest charges.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Psychology is a discipline that involves the scientific study of behaviors and mental functions. Psychology has the immediate goal of understanding individuals and groups by both establishing general principles and researching specific cases, and by many accounts, it ultimately aims to benefit society. Psychology is an area of study in which students need to do a lot of practice and put a lot of effort to get proper knowledge of the subject. Students who choose psychology as their major subject have to deal with several types of assignments. Due to a hectic study schedule sometimes, students face many difficulties while making psychology assignments. We are at assignment help . Assignment helps under our psychology homework help so that students can complete their assignment on time and score good marks.

    ReplyDelete
  33. organizers have shifted the conference online due to pandemic The event will focus on leadership development. happy autumn quotes and thank you letter to panelists

    ReplyDelete
  34. engagement will likely be very different from the types of interactions planners are used to facilitating It will be characterized by multiple scalable low-stakes touchpoints. virtual edge and thank you letter for participation in an event

    ReplyDelete
  35. Our aim is to provide the best quality services at the best price. If you are seeking for first copy watches in india, then you are at the right place. We have more than 10+ years of experience in this business. Our customer care services are available 24/7 to assist all your needs. You can get the best quality Replica watches in India at the best price. Just visit and choose according to your need and budget. 100% secured online payment gateway.

    ReplyDelete
  36. allows attendees to pop in and out of the experience whenever they wish and allows companies to break up content into more digestible chunks. conferences gifts and marketing goodie bag ideas

    ReplyDelete
  37. These are Perdisco assignments that are immensely tough and time taking. Students find it hard to complete these assignments on time. Hence, MyPerdiscohelp.com has decided to assist students in completing assignments related to Perdisco sage 50. Contact us and enquire about our services more.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Nice & Informative Blog !
    Our team at QuickBooks Support Phone Number work around your clock to provide you quick service in a jiffy in the public health emergencies.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Stay-On Oral Liquid 30ml is perfect for increasing libido boosting effect. The best thing is that you can order this drug online from Omsdelhi. We deliver every sexual drug with discrete packaging at your doorsteps. We also provide you with discounts.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Thank you for posting such a great article! It contains wonderful and helpful posts. Keep up the good work

    यूपी बाल सेवा योजना 2021 - Online Apply & Registration

    ReplyDelete
  41. Get online finance exam help from our well-trained experts and get ready to earn good grades in exams without any cheap finance homework help online us approach that hinders your repute.the best and high standard finance exam help at low rates.

    ReplyDelete
  42. QuickBooks error code H202 occurs when a user tries switching to a multi-user mode but the system fails to access the company file that is placed on a different workstation. QuickBooks H202 error can be fixed using some simple fixes. Firstly, you will need to test the network connectivity. For that, open the run window, type CMD and hit enter. Now when the command box opens type Ping [servername] and hit enter. If you receive a slow reply that indicates the network needs attention to repair. You may also use the QuickBooks file doctor tool to resolve the network issues or reconfigure the firewall settings to add QuickBooks as an exception in the firewall.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Thanks for sharing this useful and interesting information, checkout this it can be useful to you. Keep on sending in more useful and amazing information on your blog cut off mark of osustech

    ReplyDelete
  44. Offering students with Microeconomics Assignment Help means assisting them with duties such as economic cost, basic economics, and market positioning. Microeconomics assignment help is necessary for students to properly study challenges with organization and corporation budgeting and utilisation by writing essential assignments on these challenging themes.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Assignments in Computer Science might be challenging at times. Our knowledgeable experts computer assignment assistance, computer science instructor, and computer science experts provide the best Computer Science Assignment Help for your Technology field study. They can be trusted to deliver the most accurate solutions to any of their essential assignments for college students.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Nice post; It’s very straightforward to find out weblog blog that I like so much on web as compared to others, as I found this paragraph at this site. Nice weblog here. Thank you for sharing. visit us: fce-umunze cut off mark for microbiology

    ReplyDelete
  47. With your needs, we offer one of the Best Nursing Assignment Help services. As a result, students can concentrate on their other studies. We have particular topic expert’s holders who can help you with your assignments by sharing their knowledge and abilities in writing and completing scholarly articles.

    ReplyDelete
  48. The Golden City of Jaisalmer is a perfect place to spend a tour with your loved ones. Adorned with lakes, sand dunes and ornate havelis, the city is a traveller’s haven. With Go Rajasthan Travel , this city, climb the camel’s saddle, spend your night under a starry night with a desert camping. Take a short Jaisalmer Tour Packagesr with us.

    ReplyDelete
  49. In Business Ethics Assignment Help is an important reason when our experts have proved popular of thousands of students objective help for academic students. Our main purpose is to ensure that all students, regardless of financial circumstances, have an equal opportunity to succeed in their tasks. We provide students assignment help of their choosing for a minimal cost.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Pretty section of content of help spell to page to all students. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Thank you so much for sharing. Also visit GST 102 past questions in pdf format

    ReplyDelete
  51. Teamplus is leading IT Staffing companies in Chennai, Best staffing agency in Chennai, Recruitment companies in Chennai, Top 10 staffing companies in Chennai, IT staffing vendors in Chennai, HR agencies in Chennai, Best recruitment companies in Chennai, Job placement in Chennai, IT job recruitment agencies in Chennai, Best HR consultancy in Chennai, Best recruitment consultant in Chennai, IT staffing agencies in Chennai, Top staffing companies in Chennai , Software job placements in Chennai, Contract staffing agency in Chennai.
    Best staffing agency in Chennai

    ReplyDelete
  52. Need to Pay To Take My Class Online For Me? Take Your Class Online offers best online class help! Just say take my online class for me. We offer do my online class help!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hi there, thank you for sharing such a great informative post with us. It is really helpful.
    Features of Java
    C Pointers
    Database Model
    OSI Model

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hello. I heard your SAS tutoring is impressive. Please help me out with my SAS syllabus as I am having a hard time understanding this subject. An SPSS tutor will also help me out as I want help in both subjects equally. Let me know about the timings, process of joining and what to do next. I will start as a student accordingly. I am waiting for your response. Thank you for your time.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hey there, it is great content. Very interesting , good job and thanks for sharing such a good blog. I also have to suggest you the latest post related to Spacebar clicker. The spacebar clicker tool is primarily based on competitive benefits. A player can boost the level of progress by playing such a value-driven game.

    ReplyDelete
  56. I am amaze and inspire after reading through your blog. I appreciate your effort in making out something useful and knowledgeable out of your time. Good and intelligent work. Thanks a lot for sharing. Visit unilorin predegree/remedial form closing date

    ReplyDelete
  57. Wix QuickBooks is the most powerful and smartest sol

    ReplyDelete
  58. Did you miss your flight with JetBlue airlines and want to know about its policies? Travelers can miss their flight due to various reasons such as personal reasons, medical emergencies, delay or cancellation of a previous flight, and so on. JetBlue missed flight policy is made to regulate actions on such events. Under this policy, travelers who reach within 2 hours from the time and give a valid reason are allotted a stand-by flight if requested by them. An additional fee is charged for the allotment if the reason for the passenger’s delay is anything other than medical issues.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Discover the enchanting beauty of Rajasthan with our Rajasthan Tour Package. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, majestic palaces, and desert landscapes. Explore the historic cities of Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur, and witness the rich heritage of this royal state. Book your dream vacation at Go Rajasthan Travel for an unforgettable experience.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Thanks for sharing an informative blog, Spelling with Words Their Way and a new student, Proper attire enhances comfort, performance, and confidence, keeping you motivated and focused during exercise. Dress smart and make the most of your fitness routine!" so buy now activewear for women

    ReplyDelete
  61. WebPays offers a secure, fast, and user-friendly solution for processing credit card payments . With advanced fraud protection, global coverage, and seamless integration, businesses can boost conversions and streamline payment processes for customers worldwide.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Start your own payment gateway business effortlessly with ITIO’s cutting-edge solutions. ITIO makes it easy with our comprehensive solutions and industry expertise. We offer end-to-end support, from development to implementation, ensuring you have a robust, secure, and scalable platform. Partner with ITIO and turn your vision into reality. Start your payment gateway business journey with us today.

    ReplyDelete