Words Their Way Activities You Can Do

Here are some ideas:

Alphabetize - Find the assigned word list in your Words Their Way (W.T.W.) book and cut out the words. Next, arrange them in “abc order” and, after comparing with a classmate, copy the list (in alphabetical order) into the W.T.W. section of your writer’s notebook.   Are you unfamiliar with any words on your list? Read the definition of each unfamiliar word on “dictionary.com,” where you can also listen to the pronunciation.

Word Sort - Work with someone in your group to sort the words by pattern or meaning.  Then, quiz each other on the words.

Word Hunt- Once you have identified your word list’s patterns… be a “word detective!” Find other words that fit the same patterns you discovered during the word sort.  Possible sources include your own knowledge, printed signs, books you are reading. You can even ask a parent or a sibling if they know of any words that fit the pattern(s) you are studying.  To record, make a list of the pattern and the words that fit in your WTW notebook.  Periodically share the words you have found with other members of your group.  Keep adding to the list.

Other Activities

Open Sort - Sort your words in a new and different way. Write down your new headings and sorts in your W.T.W Notebook.  For example, sort the words in your list by the number of syllables.

Speed Sorts - Sort your words and time yourself (use a stop watch or the second hand on a clock/watch). Re-sort and time again to see if you can beat your best time. Write the sort, date and your times in your W.T.W. section of your writer’s notebook.

Write sentences - Write sentences using words from your sort. Please limit each sentence to a maximum of 1 or 2 W.T.W. words.  Your sentences must prove that you understand what the W.T.W. word means.

Group Games

Blind Sort (best with 2-3 players) - The goal is to get the most cards. With your partner(s) take turns being the Caller and the Writer. The Caller says each word aloud without letting the other person see the word. The Writer writes the word in his/her WTW notebook. The Writer keeps the card of any word he/she spells correctly.*  If the spelling is not correct the Caller keeps the card. The person with the most cards at the end “wins.”   If 3 people are playing have two Writers and one Caller for each round.  The Writer who is first to correctly spell/write the word neatly gets the card.

Charades (best with 3 or more players) - With members of your group, take turns acting out the words in your sort without saying anything.