UPDATE:
The original blog post at this link was about the word study approach to teaching spelling. While the act of sorting words can be useful, I no longer believe that Words Their Way should be a core spelling curriculum because it does not include enough explicit instruction.
Stay tuned for a new series about teaching spelling in 2023!
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Jasmeen
Thank you for this article…quick question dis u see the high frequency words in the back of Words their way book after the word sort. How to use and introduce them if yiu can suggest that too.
Anna G
You definitely could. It would really depend on how you want to teach sight words and what word lists you want to use. Here’s one way to teach sight words: https://www.themeasuredmom.com/how-to-teach-sight-words/
I really think you need to change up what you do based on your learners. Some kids learn sight words quickly and easily, others not so much. One thing I do NOT recommend is having them copy the sight word over and over. I’m not convinced that works.
Debbie
I think that depends on the child. My eldest loved to write when she was little. I had been told not to worry about spelling when they’re little so that their love of writing isn’t stifled. Well, this is the kid that has super strong muscle memory. So, after spelling the word the way that made sense to her so many times it looked and felt right to spell it that way.
Jeanna
This is all great information. However, This same method is taught in McGraw Hill’s series Treasures. You can download the workbooks for free. Many sites also have the teacher’s resources books for free that include all the words ready to sort. The only difference is the word inventory. But there are differentiated lists to appeal to below, on, and above learners.
Anna Geiger
That’s great to hear, Jeanna! Do you have a link where I can download the workbooks? I couldn’t find it on their site.
Kyle
I’m interested in the free links too please:)
Pearl S Chow
Is this the link?
https://www.mhschool.com/reading/treasure_workbooks/national.html
Lara
THANK YOU! I just found this wonderful resource today while trying to find the best way to teach spelling in our newly-started homeschool and read through the whole series. I love finding something that just clicks and feels so right! My question is this: when you say “from this fabulous book!” referring to games, there is no link. Is this book the same “Words Their Way” book that has been referenced so often, or is something else? Thank you! 🙂
Anna Geiger
Yes, that’s the one, Lara! Warning – it’s thick and you’ll need some quiet time to study it. But I think it’s very readable and practical.
Amy
Wow, what an abundance of great resources and fun activities! I am studying to be a teacher and great resources like this are hard to find. Love the spelling games and weekly schedule. Thanks so much!
Anna Geiger
You’re very welcome, Amy! I’m so glad you found my site!
CARMEN
I just found this website, thanks for the great ideas of helping us helping children to enjoy spelling activities.
I just enjoyed more the weekly schedule. Thanks and keep up the god work.
Anna Geiger
You’re very welcome, Carmen – feel free to write with questions as you have them!
Deann
Thank you so much for sharing so much information about this! My kids were using Words Their Way at their charter school before we chose to homeschool them. We chose a different spelling program at home and it wasn’t working out for them. So I bought Words Their Way not realizing how complicated it would be to implement. Your series has made it easier for me to see what I need to do. My daughter was SO excited to start doing it again! Thank you!
Anna Geiger
I’m so glad to hear, that Deann! How awesome that your daughter was pleased to get it back. 🙂 You might be interested in this post from This Reading Mama… it helps you understand which materials might be useful to you. http://thisreadingmama.com/2014/03/09/words-their-way-teach-spelling/
Deann
Thanks for the link! I love her blog too, but hadn’t looked there 🙂
Carrie
What a great way to make spelling hands-on. Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!!
Anna Geiger
You’re welcome, Carrie!
Beth
I think you are my new favorite blog – you always seem to have so many great things on here!! I pinned this & am adding it to my buffer to share later this week.
Thanks for linking up to TGIF! Have a great week =)
Beth
Anna Geiger
Wow, Beth, I’ll take that as a great compliment coming from someone with 10,000 Facebook likes – BIG congratulations to you! I’m just trying to get to 1300 🙂
Thanks for hosting TGIF!
MultiTestingMom
Hi anna! I love your site – as a SAHM former Kindergarten teacher, I truly can appreciate all of the hard work you have done in order to make this blog possible.
I would love to invite you and your readers to stop by our weekly Artsy Play Wednesday linky to link up and find more educational and fun kid activities!
Also – I wanted to email you about something, but couldn’t find a way to contact you – could you please email me?
http://www.multitestingmommy.com/2013/07/recycled-shredder-paper-fireworks-artsy.html
annageig
Hi Amanda,
Thanks so much for your encouragement! Normally I link up at Artsy Play Wednesday, but it’s been a busy week for me. Hopefully I’ll be back next week! I think you’re going to receive this twice, but I did fill out your contact form on your blog. My contact information is themeasuredmom@gmail.com.
My sister just moved to Canada — I will need to pass on your blog!
Becky
Anna, thanks for including my 10-part series on word study! I just love me some word study! 🙂