Word Study
Word StudyLake George Elementary School uses Words Their Way, Word Study for Phonics, Vocabulary, and Spelling Instruction as its 1-6 developmentally based approach to word study--phonics, spelling, and vocabulary core instruction. This approach reflects the research exploring the developmental nature of word knowledge--how awareness and understanding of word structure at the alphabetic, pattern, and meaning levels successively build upon one another. For our youngest learners (K-2) we utilize two programs called Fundations through Wilson Language Training as well as Lucy Calkins Units of Study in phonics. These programs provide a systematic approach in critical foundational skills emphasizing phonemic awareness, phonics/word study, high frequency words, reading fluency, vocabulary, comprehension strategies, handwriting and spelling.
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Word study is not one-size-fits-all. Instruction across the grades is differentiated to match students with their level of word knowledge. Students begin the year by participating in a spelling inventory, and we identify where each child is and use that as the starting point. Students engage in learning activities to examine and discriminate sounds, patterns, and meanings that illustrate concepts. These activities include concept sorts, word sorts, and games, which helps focus instruction where it is needed to move students into the next stage of development. Rather than rote memorization activities designed only to ensure repeated mechanical practice, word study encourages active exploration and examination of word features that are within a student's stage of literacy development. The goal is for students to incorporate more and more concepts into their reading, writing and speaking.
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Words Their Way is a foundational program that helps students develop those foundational skills targeted in the Next Generation Learning Standards (NGLS).
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