Transcript Word Study Notebooks - bcps

Word Study Notebooks
An Overview
Word study notebooks are
not typically introduced and
used until students enter the
within word stage of
spelling.
What is a word study notebook?
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An organized collection of words that
students have examined.
Students should be encouraged to use
their notebooks during writing (i.e. their
personal word dictionary).
Organizing the Notebook
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Notebooks can be divided into sections
according to feature study.
Ex. You may have a section on the long
-o sound. You may have several pages
on the patterns and sorts that make this
sound.
Organizing the Notebook (cont.)
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You may have a section on concept
sorts or content area sorts.
There may be a vocabulary section,
especially in the later spelling stages.
Sections can be divided with post-it
notes to make it easier to find specific
categories.
The following slides
offer suggestions of
activities for the
word study notebook.
Buddy Writing Sort
Students work with a buddy for this activity. Headers with
the sort for the week are placed or written in the notebook.
The words for the week are called out to the student and
they spell them in their notebooks and place them in the
correct header column. This sort involves using words that
the student is working with during the week.
Draw and Label
This activity is often used with the letter name speller,
but can be adapted for within word spellers. The student
will draw a picture of the word being studied and label it.
Blind Writing Sort
Students list the sort categories they are studying in the
notebook. A partner or the teacher will call out words that
the student must then attempt to spell correctly and place in
the appropriate category. These are typically new words
that follow the same pattern being studied for the week.
Written Reflections
Students can write about their sorts.
Ask students to explain why they sorted in a particular
way. Students can then share their reflections with others
in their group.
This can help teachers assess students’ understanding of a
sort.
Word Hunts
Students use text to find words that are in the same sort as
the one they are studying. These words are added to their
notebook.
Word Sorts
All sorts need to be recorded in the word study notebook.
This can be done in written form or by gluing the sort into
the notebook at the end of study. DO NOT glue the sort in
the notebook until you are finished. Students need to be
able to manipulate the sort while studying it throughout the
week.
You may want to staple a ZipLock bag in the front of the
notebook so students can keep words in a safe place until
they can be glued at the end of the week.
Homework Activities
All homework activities can be recorded in the notebook.
(Please note that students should not be asked to write words multiple
times for practice.)
SUGGESTIONS FOR HOMEWORK:
•Select 2-3 words and use them in a sentence.
•Choose several words on your list and change at least one letter to
create a new word.
•Sort your words into feature category and then into ABC order. Record
your sort in your notebook.
•Time yourself sorting the words three times. Record times in your
notebook.
•More suggestions (page 233 of Words Their Way)
Derivational Constancy Stage
In this stage word meaning is key. Use this to your
advantage when creating a notebook.
Students can use their notebook for vocabulary study as well
as sorting.
•Have students define unknown words.
•Have students circle suffixes/prefixes.
•Underline base words.
•Be creative! The notebook can be used for any activity that
will enhance the students’ understanding of words.