I discussed word study notebooks in one of my previous blogs. There has since been a request for more examples including images. Word study is an alternative for traditional spelling instruction. Traditional spelling instruction involves a list of spelling words, memorization, and a test on Friday. Word study is a way to teach phonics, vocabulary, and spelling. Word study instruction utilizes approximately twenty words per week that are studied in many ways in order for students to make generalizations in words in relation to patterns, sounds, and meaning. Word study notebooks include various activities, including sorts and word hunts that allow students to look at words in different ways and apply them in both reading and writing.
Word study is based on spelling stages of development: Letter Name, Within Word, Syllable Juncture, and Derivational Constancy. There are specific skills that are learned within each stage. Of course, skills become more difficult as students progress to the next stage. Students are assessed to determine stage of development. Instruction is given on words that follow the patterns and skills of that stage.
Sections can be created in the word study notebook to categorize the types of word study activities. Some of these sections could include groups of words sorted according to features, patterns, and meanings. As students come upon new words throughout the semester or year, they can add them to the appropriate sections in their notebooks. Notebooks should include word study activities that are meaningful and intentional.
Some examples below:
What in the world is a word study notebook? What is its purpose? What goes in it? Even though many teachers have word study notebooks down to an art form, there are many others still asking themselves these questions.
“What in the world is a word study notebook?” Well, a word study notebook is a tool that students can use to record word study activities such as word sorts and word hunts. It can be a spiral-bound notebook or loose-leaf paper stapled together. Basically, it is whatever you choose for it to be.
“What is its purpose?” It serves several purposes. For the student, the notebook is used to record word study activities and develop and apply word study concepts. They will also document their generalizations and reflections from their learning. For the teacher, it is a record which provides documentation to monitor, assess, and grade student learning.
“What goes in it?” A word study notebook could include word study activities, generalizations, and reflections, as mentioned above. You can also create sections in the notebook to categorize the types of word study activities. Some of these sections could include groups of words sorted according to features, patterns, and meanings. For example, one section could be titled “Meaning Sorts” and include words such as portfolio, deport, airport, and transport. The words contain port which means “to carry.” This helps students determine meaning in their reading when they encounter unfamiliar words in text. As students come upon new words throughout the semester or year, they can add them to the appropriate sections in their notebooks. Notebooks should include word study activities that are meaningful and intentional.
Overall, word study notebooks allow students to take “ownership” of their learning and provide them opportunities to become successful readers and writers!
