Teachers of early readers understand the importance of incorporating learning activities that give students an opportunity to practice sound/spelling patterns by building, manipulating, and sorting words. These activities can be done as a whole class, in small groups, peer-to-peer, and individually. Word sorting in particular is an evidence-based method for calling attention to word elements. In this active process, students can categorize words and pictures within and across categories to reveal essential differences and similarities among words. There are five types of word sorting methods that can be implemented into reading instruction. The chart below describes each type of sort and includes a picture link for examples describing each one.
Five Types of Word Sorts
Closed Sorts
The teacher defines the key word or picture categories and models sorting procedures.
Open Sorts
Students define the key word or picture categories.
Blind Sorts
The teacher defines the key word or picture categories, then calls out a word that students cannot see. The students point to the key word or picture with the same sound.
Writing Sort
The teacher defines the keyword categories, then calls out a word. The students write the word below the key word with the same sound/spelling pattern.
Speed Sort
Closed, open, blind, and writing sorts are completed within a particular time frame.
Word sorting can be powerful across all grade levels. In the Kindergarten classroom, students may sort the first sound in a word to match a picture. Third graders could be working with partners to sort words by syllable type. Fifth graders might be categorizing words based on Greek and Latin roots. There is a place for word work in every classroom. For more ideas about word sorting activities and the research behind it, feel free to reach out to me or your Instructional Coach.
Savanna Helms
Literacy Intervention Specialist
