Word Attack: Sort
General Word Knowledge Strategies
Eagle Eye reminds a reader to look at the pictures or illustrations.
Lips the Fish reminds a reader to use their mouth muscles and get ready to say the word aloud.
Skippy the Frog reminds a reader to skip the word, continue to read the next sentence or two, then go back to re-read.
Tryin’ Lion reminds a reader try again and re-read.
Meaning Bird reminds the reader to ask themselves if what they read makes sense.
Helpful Kangaroo reminds a reader to ask for help if they have tried some of the above strategies.
Specific Work Attack Strategies
Each of the following Word Attack Strategies have a separate blog with step-by-step instructions.
Chunky Monkey reminds a reader to break the word into smaller pieces or chunking.
Flippy the Dolphin reminds a reader to flip the vowel sound from long to short or short to long.
Sliding Seal reminds a reader to cover the word, then slowly slide hand from left to right.
Spot ‘n Dot reminds a reader to Spot ‘n Dot vowels. This assists with finding syllables. See Syllable Division Rules for helpful tips.
Stretchy Snake reminds a reader to stretch out a word.
Click on above image for Word Knowledge Sort pdf
Word Attack: Sort
For Decoding through Expert Readers
GOAL: To examine a group of words, creating various sorts on similar letter patterns or sounds.
Materials:
Index cards; 3x5 or 5x7
Word Box OR Ring
if using a Ring, punch a hole in upper corner or center of card
Select words:
Coxhead Academic Words
Reading Vocabulary
Word Lists
A pdf form for Word Knowledge Sort is available - just click on the above image.
MODELING:
Ask the child(ren) to examine the list of words. These words need some similar letter patterns or sounds or meanings:
cheese play three cake
Have the child(ren) determine similarities between the group of words. Then write the words on either index cards or the pdf provided.
Sort long vowel /a/: play & cake
Sort long vowel /e/: cheese & three
Have the child(ren) continue with the entire group of words.
TIPS:
Have group of words prepared that do have similarities.
Children may create different sorts; allow them to share their thinking.