Word Work

Weekly Words
I got this idea from Beth Newingham.  She can probably explain it better than I can, so go check out her Scholastic Blog!  I do a variation on Words Their Way (I lovee this program).  


I have four different spelling groups; Cupcakes, Crayons, Strawberries and Snowmen (and, yes, I let them choose their group names, can you tell?).  All of the groups are practicing the same pattern, but they receive different words based on ability level.  The Cupcake/Crayon groups receive the same words and the Strawberry/Snowmen groups receive the same words.  


I introduce the pattern on Monday and each group gets their 10 words for the week (starred on their word sheet).  

Throughout the week, all the students practice the pattern with all 30 words.  On Friday, each group is tested on their words (I give two tests at the same time) and they are all also tested on an extra 10 words that follow the pattern of the week. 

For students who really study and practice, it works really well!


Spelling Folders
The folders in are housed in the Word Study area of our classroom, since I have a mix of students from 2 homerooms.  They fit perfectly in these half-size file folder boxes from Wal-Mart.  This area also has our rotation chart and all the word study materials.

When the students come into spelling, they check to see which activities are available for their group that day.  I meet with 1-2 groups a day, while the others are at different centers.

Center Activities
The students write their words on the iPads and then “type” them on the keys.  Click here for the free template from Mrs. Gilchrist’s Class.

The students use magnetic letters to spell out their words on the whiteboard.  The letters and the whiteboard are from the Target Dollar Spot.

The students use the chart to sign their words to their partner.  Their partner then needs to guess what word they spelled out.

Rainbow words are a lot of fun!  Students write their spelling words in different colored markers or pencils. 

Students write their words on the iPhone screen and then “type” their words out.  Click here for the free template from Traci Clausen.

Activity Storage

The iPads, iPods, Sign Language cards and Roll and Spell cards are kept in a pocket chart.  

The rocks, board games, stencils, and magnetic letters are kept in the small boxes.  Worksheets are in the drawers.  

Each box is labeled for easy student access.

My students really love these activities and look forward to doing them throughout the week.  I’ve seen a huge success with them in the classroom as well.