First Grade students will
be participating in Words Their Way (WTW) spelling groups. WTW is a
differentiated spelling program that allows students to develop their reading
and writing abilities. Students will meet with their word study groups and
learn about their new picture/word sort. Students need multiple and varied experiences
with their words in order to “own” them. Students will practice their pictures/words
independently and with partners in school.
It is important that students practice
sorting their pictures/words at home as well. Word work practice is part of weekly
homework. There are suggested activities on the back of the weekly newsletter. Some activities are more appropriate for some sorts than others. For example, a student who is working on hearing sounds in pictures is not responsible for knowing the spelling of those words. Their focus is on the sound in the words only. Students who have words are accountable for learning the spelling patterns with their sort. They may do activities where they write words and sentences as part of their in-school and homework practice. Pictures/words will be kept in a box inside their book bag. Students must
bring their words and word study journals (labeled on the cover: Word Sorts in red) back to school every day.
Book Bags
Students will be in differentiated groups for guided reading. When your child brings home their book bag, please make sure that the book is read. There may also be a set of sight word cards in their bag. These words have been introduced during reading group. Please practice these words with your child and then place all materials back into the book bag and return it to school in your child’s backpack. Students who leave their book bags at home have a difficult time fully participating in guided reading and work work activities.
Please note: Students have temporary book bags right now. The Ziplock bags will be replaced by brightly color vinyl book bags as soon as they are delivered.
Books, bags, and word sort boxes need to be returned the next day, every day!
