{Spelling}

Here is a quick glimpse at the spelling program I will be using in our class. This program works well with our class because the lists are individualized to the student., not the grade level. This week all of the students will have the same list. It may be easy, just right or a challenge. Because this is a new way to do spelling for most of the students, we will be practicing the sort as a class. I want the students to be familiar with how to do it, before we have 5 or so groups. Next week I will have the students grouped into similar abilities and the list will be on your child’s level. Thank you for being patient with me!

What is Words Their Way?
Words Their Way is spelling based on vowel patterns. There is an initial list of words that I have the class spell. This assessment lets me know which vowel patterns each student has already mastered. From that list I group the class into smaller groups for a more individualized spelling list. The students will have spelling words based on patterns they are learning and each week they are introduced to a new pattern to master.

What will be happening in school?
Each week the students will cut out their words and sort them in class. On Monday’s I will introduce the words to each group and teach them the correct way to sort. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday we will sort the words in class. And Friday’s we will have our spelling test. With each list there can be between 10 and 20 words. Each week I will test the students on 10 of the words. The tests will be worth 20 points. One point will be awarded for spelling the word correctly and one point for spelling the pattern correctly.

Homework
For homework, I will send home another copy of the sort. Please have your child cut out the words and sort them at home. Included in their homework folder is a weekly schedule. If you have any questions, please let me know.

Thanks!

Mrs. Barber