Words are the foundation of reading and learning, the tools we use to communicate ideas and learn new concepts. A student’s word knowledge, then, is crucial to reading comprehension and future academic success. We can improve word recognition and spelling by finding ways to help students actively develop stronger vocabularies (Texas Education Agency, 2000).
Extend your phonics, spelling, and vocabulary lessons with hands-on activities that enhance word-work exercises related to shared reading. Always model activities with your students first, followed by sufficient teacher-guided practice before students are expected to complete activities independently. Word-work exercises can be written out or performed orally. They can also be used as a guide for whole-group discussion, or you can ask students to complete the activities independently in their reading journals, on chart paper, or on construction paper. Likewise, the assignments can be completed in student pairs or small cooperative groups.
Try this “Read and Write the Room” activity with your K-5 students.
1. Take a piece of paper and a clipboard and walk around the room looking for the letter, word pattern, or category your teacher has selected from the list below.
2. Write your words on your clipboard.
3. Pick four words from your list and write a sentence for each on the back of your paper.
4. Draw a picture to go with each of your sentences.
Letter, Word Pattern, and Category List
Short vowels
Long vowels
R-controlled vowels
Double consonants
Prefixes
Suffixes
Plurals
Possessives
Abbreviations
Titles
Pronouns
Homophones
Contractions
Synonyms
Antonyms
Rhyming words
Consonant digraphs
Consonant blends
Number words
Color words
Days and months
Nouns
Proper nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Adverbs
Compound words
One-syllable words
Two-syllable words
Three-syllable words
Four-syllable words