Word Sorts and More: Sound, Pattern, and Meaning Explorations K-3 (Solving Problems in the Teaching of Literacy Series) » (1st Edition)

Kathy Ganske, PhD, is Professor of the Practice of Literacy and Director of Elementary Education at the Peabody School of Education at Vanderbilt University. Previously, she was a professor at Oberlin College and Rowan University. Dr. Ganske is a former classroom teacher in primary through upper elementary grades in various regions of the country.

A tremendous timesaver for teachers, this indispensable book contains more than 200 word, picture, and letter sorts, ready to photocopy and use in K-3 classrooms. Provided are engaging categorization activities that span the stages of emergent, letter name, and within word pattern spelling. Also featured are decoding activities, assessment materials, tips from other teachers, recommended links to children's literature, and strategies for working with diverse students, including English-language learners and struggling older readers. An ideal complement to Ganske's bestselling Word Journeys, which presents a comprehensive approach to assessing and building word knowledge, Word Sorts and More can also be used on its own or in conjunction with any phonics, spelling, reading, or writing program.

Children's Literature

For those working in the fields of beginning reading instruction, pre-K through 3rd grade, to those involved in remediation for other grade levels and English language learners, this volume will be a gold mine of information. Scripted lesson plans for introducing sorting, using syllabication and morphology to solve word problems, using context and letter sound clues, as well as phonemic awareness are only part of the introductory material. Aside from the concrete lesson plans, this title includes over 150 reproducible pages of "all sorts of sorts" including syllable counting, beginning sounds, initial consonants, same-vowel word families, initial-consonant diagraphs, initial-consonant blends, short and long vowels, final diagraphs, complex consonant patterns, abstract vowels, sounds of past tense, homophones, and many more. "Literature Links" (trade books) and "Teacher Considerations" are included with each section of sorts covering the various combinations of consonants, vowels, blends, diagraphs, etc. The focus here is not only on employing a systematic approach to word recognition, but also on stimulating and strengthening useful application of vocabulary and decoding skills. Ganske's active classroom research and professional development work along with her excellent credentials will assure teachers that her approach to teaching many different reading skills has the backing of significant practical experience and knowledge.

Preface
Part 1. Setting the Stage
Part 2. Word Study for Emergent Learners
Part 3. Word Study for Letter Name Spellers
Part 4. Word Study for Within Word Pattern Spellers
Appendix A. Emergent Literacy Assessments
Appendix B. Oh No! Card Game
Appendix C. Make-It, Break-It Letter Tiles
Appendix D. Working with Spanish-Speaking English-Language Learners
Appendix E. Templates and Other Materials
References
Children's Literature