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Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Working With Words Update

For the past month, I have been revamping my word work station. My kids were getting bored and restless with the same old activities. So Working With Words was born. 
I thought I would share how I am using Working With Words in my classroom. =)

First, I introduce the phonics pattern. If there are two (or more) patterns for a specific sound, I will introduce them as well. Usually, we create a list of words for the patterns. After creating the list, I put a focus on just pattern one for Monday & Tuesday. The lessons follow the same pattern on Monday & Tuesday, with a slight difference. 

Next, the students go back to their seats for word building. The students cut out their letters and line them up on the table. I give directions by stating exactly what to do. For example, "Please build the word glue." I will remind them of the pattern we are working on for the first few words. (On Monday, they just build. I have them save their letters in a snack size baggie. On Tuesday, they build and then record the word.) Sorry, I forgot to take a picture! =(

For the word work station, there are two games.
The first choice is Roll A Word. They play this game with a partner by rolling the die, reading the word, and writing the word. 

The second choice is the board game. The game board is simple enough that it only takes one model and they know how to play! They simply read a word, if it is correct, they roll the die and move forward. 
 This game is played in pairs as well. For this class, they work better in pairs verses groups of four. 
When we meet again for whole group instruction, I projected the Word Reading Sentences on the board. First, we echo read the sentences. Then the students take turns reading the sentence and circling the word with the pattern. 
The other students are following along, tracking print while whisper reading, and locating the pattern words. 
The students partner up and read the sentences again. This has tremendously helped many of my students with their fluency.
This activity is done on both Monday & Tuesday. 

 After each student has had their turn, they then spend the remaining few minutes playing Roll A Word with their copy. To save paper, I have them write in pencil on Monday and then highlight the words on Tuesday. 


I have to say, these are by far the best products I have made yet. 
 I never dreamed what the impact would or could be for my students. They are mastering the phonics patterns and having a great time! I have watched their fluency increase (a great deal) and they are now attacking longer words instead of shying away from them. All of that, and it meets Common Core Standards! =)
Working With Words for oi & oy is now in my TPT store. It's 50% off for the next 24 hours! Grab it now...=) 
And just for fun, leave a comment with your email and which Working With Words you would like. I will pick 3 winners tomorrow evening! =) 

24 comments:

  1. Wow, they are all great! I guess if I have to choose I would say ew,ui,ue,oo since that is what is coming p next in our program. I love word work and keeping it fresh is important. Thanks! caroaf@comcast.net

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  2. I loved reading how you structure this! I might just have to use your ideas for next year! ;) I would love to win the set with ew, ui, oo, ue! :) fingers crossed!!

    Sarah
    teachingiscolorful.blogspot.com
    scoatoam@gmail.com

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  3. Oh man-after teaching upper grades for the past two years, I'm going back to 2nd grade next year. I'd LOVE your ew/ui/ue/oo set! :)

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  4. These look really awesome! I love how you have them use pencil one day and then highlighters the next to save paper. I'd love to try these with my class:)
    firstgradecarousel@gmail.com
    Maria
    First Grade Carousel

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  5. Oops forgot to tell you which one ~ the ew, ue and oo one would be most helpful. I think those are very tricky sounds.
    Maria
    First Grade Carousel

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  6. I really like your ideas! I think my kids would real enjoy the activities. I like the ew one.
    Suetut1468@att.net

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  7. This is great! Thanks for the opportunity!!

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  8. Love your ideas! :)
    If I were a winner I would like 2 sounds of Y.
    missteach3@gmail.com

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  9. I love this! I have been wanting to do a working with words station for my kiddos. This is great :)

    thepolkadotowl@gmail.com

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  10. My little k kids would do best with the sounds of y.
    Kimchaiken@gmail.com

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  11. Love posts that show the packets in use. I would love to win the Working With Words for ew, ui, ue, and oo.
    cecil0862@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wow! These are amazing! I want them all. I am placing them in my wishlist, but it I have to choose the one I really really want... ew, ui, ue, and oo would have to be it.

    Heather Salsman
    Teaching Through Turbulence

    ReplyDelete
  13. I tried to leave a comment but it didn't post and I forgot my e-mail... so here it goes again. (Hopefully it doesn't show up twice) I love these and want them all. I am putting them in my wishlist, but if I have to choose one.. I would like ew, ue, ui, and oo.

    Heather Salsman
    Teaching Through Turbulence
    teachingthroughturbulence@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Great Idea!! My kids are getting bored with word work, too. Terrific way to mix things up and make it FUN!!!! thanks. I would love the ew---oo one. Will probably have to get them all :) pcolagal1963@gmail.co

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  15. WOW! These look amazing! I'd love the ew set. Thanks for the chance to win!
    -Andrea
    simmonsa1@sfusd.edu
    cielobella@aol.com

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  16. This looks amazing! I can see my students enjoying these activities. I like the 2 sounds of y.

    Amber
    Cavokitty@Gmail.com

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  17. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  18. Really cute activities that my students would love! I like the 2 sounds of y.

    Amber
    cavokitty@gmail.com

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  19. Just bought your oi, oy! Can't wait to use it!

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  20. These packs would be perfect for my Word Work Wednesdays! I love the ew, etc pack!
    anhudacek@gmail.com

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  21. These look great. I would love the 2 sounds of Y.

    Charlene/Diamond Mom
    charlene.sequeira2@gmail.com

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  22. I would love the ew,ui,ue,oo pack!
    lraines78@gmail.com

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  23. Looks great! I would live to win the ew, ui, ue, & oo pack!!

    Suzanne Grisham
    sgrisham@white.k12.ga.us

    Thanks!!!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Wow! All of the working with words units look amazing!
    Michelle
    Mjaquillard@oregoncs.org

    ReplyDelete

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