Thank you for hanging in their with me.....I sure hope you learned some along the way, or gave yourself a pat on the back for what you already do in the classroom.
If you haven't had a chance to read the previous posts--don't worry--you still have time! Just click the links below for the titles that are of interest to you.
Post 1: The "why" behind using word sorts.
Post 2: 15 activities to do with your word sorts
Post 3: Instructional routines for word sorts
Post 4: How to assess word work
For this last post I want to focus on various resources you can use for word sorts. I have recently created sort packs for short vowels, beginning blends, ending blends and digraphs. These packs are super easy to use -- just print and go!
In addition to easy prep--there are LOTS of opportunities for differentiation. The word sort packs have three levels of word sorts--which is perfect for the diverse academic ranges present in all of our classrooms.
- Level 1: Picture sorts (no words--just focusing on the sounds in the words). This level is great for struggling students or for early readers and pre-readers.
- Level 2: Short vowel and one syllable words. This level is perfect for struggling students or early readers.
- Level 3: Advanced vowels and multi-syllabic words. This level is ideal for advanced readers or for enrichment.
Along with differentiation opportunities, the word sort packs also have a variety of word sort activities. There are cut and glue sorts, regular sorts (cut and sort by hand) and sort and write. The sort and write activities have lined and unlined options. Typically each pack has over 30 sorts for you to choose from. That is A LOT of sorting options!
I am continually adding to the sorts and have plans for sorts in all areas of the phonics continuum. So, stay tuned for: silent e, predictable vowel teams, unpredictable vowel teams, r-control, trigraphs, hard and soft c and g, syllable types, and meaning based sorts.
Other resources I use, but are a bit more expensive are:
Words Their Way. Pictured below is the letter and picture sort book, but there are multiple that can be purchased from Pearson. The books range from sorts for pre-k to syllable and affix spellers. Recently Pearson has also added vocabulary sorts to their series, along with sorts for struggling readers, writers and spellers.
All Sorts of Sorts: Word Sorts that Reinforce Spelling and Phonetic Patterns. This book was published in 2008 (I know...I know...that is a while back), BUT it is full of great sorts! My copy is well worn and well loved. :)