Words Their Way Blank Sort Template

Table of Contents

• What is Words Their Way Blank Sort Template?
• How to Use the Words Their Way Blank Sort Template
• Benefits of Using the Words Their Way Blank Sort Template
• Tips for Using the Words Their Way Blank Sort Template
• Conclusion

What is Words Their Way Blank Sort Template?

The Words Their Way Blank Sort Template is a valuable tool for educators and students alike. It is a customizable template that allows teachers to create their own word sorts based on the Words Their Way approach. Words Their Way is a developmental spelling, phonics, and vocabulary program that helps students make sense of the English language and become proficient readers and writers.

With the Blank Sort Template, teachers can tailor word sorts to meet the specific needs of their students. The template provides a blank grid where teachers can input words from various word study categories, such as vowel patterns, consonant blends, or word families. This flexibility allows teachers to target specific spelling patterns or phonics skills that their students need to practice.

How to Use the Words Their Way Blank Sort Template

Using the Words Their Way Blank Sort Template is straightforward and user-friendly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Download the Blank Sort Template from the official Words Their Way website or other reliable sources.
2. Open the template in a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
3. Customize the title of the word sort at the top of the template.
4. Decide on the word study categories you want to focus on and fill in the column headings accordingly.
5. Input words into the appropriate cells, making sure they align with the corresponding word study category.
6. Print out the completed template or distribute it to students digitally.
7. Have students cut out the word cards and sort them into the correct categories.
8. Encourage students to discuss the patterns they notice and explain their reasoning behind each sort.
9. Provide opportunities for students to practice spelling and using the words in meaningful contexts.

Benefits of Using the Words Their Way Blank Sort Template

The Words Their Way Blank Sort Template offers several benefits for both teachers and students:

• Customizability: The template allows teachers to create word sorts that specifically target their students’ needs and areas for growth.
• Flexibility: Teachers can choose from a wide range of word study categories and adapt the template to fit different grade levels and skill levels.
• Engagement: The hands-on nature of sorting word cards can make word study more interactive and engaging for students.
• Collaboration: Sorting words in groups or pairs promotes collaboration and discussion among students as they analyze and categorize the words.
• Application: The template provides opportunities for students to practice spelling and using words in context, reinforcing their understanding of spelling patterns and phonics rules.

Tips for Using the Words Their Way Blank Sort Template

Here are some tips to enhance your experience with the Words Their Way Blank Sort Template:

• Start with a diagnostic assessment: Before creating word sorts, assess your students’ current spelling abilities to determine which patterns or skills they need to work on.
• Differentiate instruction: Use the template to create word sorts at different difficulty levels, allowing you to meet the diverse needs of your students.
• Provide support: For struggling students, consider providing a list of words to sort or using color-coded cards to assist with visual organization.
• Encourage reflection: Have students reflect on their sorting choices and explain the reasoning behind their decisions. This promotes metacognition and deepens their understanding of spelling patterns.
• Integrate vocabulary: Include vocabulary words related to the word study category to expand students’ vocabulary and reinforce their understanding of the words.

Conclusion

The Words Their Way Blank Sort Template is a valuable resource for educators looking to enhance their word study instruction. By customizing word sorts to meet the specific needs of their students, teachers can support the development of spelling, phonics, and vocabulary skills in a meaningful and engaging way. Whether in a whole-class setting or during individualized instruction, the template provides a flexible and effective tool for promoting literacy growth.