1. Word Study Strategies for the ELA Classroom September 2008
You’ve got my WORD on it!
Word Study Strategies for the ELA Classroom
September 2008

2. What is Word Study?
Direct teaching of word parts: Prefixes, Roots and Suffixes
Approximately 10 minutes every other day/class
Direct instruction to help students connect prior knowledge to, organize and internalize word parts and newly learned words

3. Why Word Study?
We need to “provide students with a strong, conceptual understanding of words parts so students will be able to generalize meaning(s), pronunciation(s) and usage of the word part to many other words.”
Students with an awareness of word parts create a richer personal vocabulary, allowing them to be stronger readers and writers.

4. Why Word Study?
Direct teaching of word study is “critical to learning and cannot be underrated.”
“there is a strong relationship between word study and learning words in context.”
And also,
Many of our teachers still feel confused about how word study works, where or why it fits, and when to teach it.

5. Where can I find Word Study materials?
Word Study on FCPS Teach
Pre-tests and post-tests in Exam View
on CD copies in buildings
Word Study lists by grade and unit
Word Study List - Grade 9, Unit 1
Templates, teaching ideas and strategies
Four Square Strategy
Word Study Article

6. Let’s move “on-WORD” to a few practical strategies
Word Walls
Four Squares
Ratings Games
Word Part “Logs”
Word Swat
Word Webs

7. Getting Started
Introduce students to word part (prefix, suffix, root)
Provide some background on the word, meaning and definition
Create list of words containing the specific part – provide students with a few to jog their memory
Create longer list as a class
Have students rate/rank/select one or two words that most clearly demonstrate the meaning of the word part
For example: Phil/Philo – meaning loving, fond of
Students select Philanthropist – lover of humanity – as their key word
Review and revisit word part as you encounter it in class

8. Class Word Walls
Put word parts (roots, suffixes or prefixes) on cards around room or on bulletin boards
Add words containing the studied part as students learn the word part, practice words containing the word part, add to the wall as they encounter new words containing the word part
Let kids use their own handwriting – sense of ownership and community – use sentence strips, index cards, recycled paper, etc
Color code or group word parts together, for example, all suffixes in one area, prefixes in another, or color code parts of speech

9. Individual Word Walls Offer credit for
Put word parts (roots, suffixes or prefixes) in journals, spiral notebooks or three-ring binders - whatever you require
Students add the studied word parts and related word lists on pages designated as such in their journals or note taking systems.
Offer credit for
most words found
longest word found
most obscure word
word used the most in writing
words from other content areas
Consider checking students’ word wall activities during warm-ups, while taking attendance, during writing conferences or as students complete group work

10. Four Squares Standard Four Square Model: Can be completed on:
Vocabulary Word
and
Definition
2-3 verbal examples of the word
Can be completed on:
half sheets
index cards
foldables (think little books)
Recycled Paper
2-3 verbal non-examples of the word
Reminding picture or
Mnemonic
One Page Four Square Model

11. Ratings Games Works as a pre-test for students
Provides more time for student practice with words parts
Sets up differentiation immediately for students
Word part:
Phil/Philo
Totally Know It
Kinda Know It
Never Heard of it
Philosophy
Philanthropist
Bibliophile
Tally Scores, complete activity with most checks
Use the word in a sentence that demonstrates your understanding
Find a definition for the word, write a sentence
Use the LINCS chart for each of the words

12. Word Logs
Students are introduced to word parts and create a word list as a class
In their “Word Worlds” – other classes, pop culture, tv, movies, at home, with friends, etc, students listen for words using their studied word part(s)
Students add these new words to their word logs and share during word study time in class
New Word
Definition
Where you heard it
Context (sentence/usage)
Philharmonic
Devoted to or appreciative of music
World News tonight
The Boston Philharmonic will be performing this weekend.

13. Word Swat
WARNING: Must have good, strong, meaningful control of class before attempting!! CAUTION!
Divide students into 4 teams in rows facing the board, each team gets one flyswatter – first person in row charged with appropriate use of the flyswatter
Write words or word parts on the board or tape to wall – DO NOT use overhead screen or Smart boards!
Review point earning procedures, safety rules and expectations with students
Ask cloze exercises to students using words or word parts
Student with flyswatter gently swats word/word part that completes the cloze activity
Students then rotate to end of the line and next person takes a turn

14. Word Webs
Using Inspiration software or the old school pen and paper, allow students to create webs/diagrams or organizational sketches that link the meanings to other ideas
Connections could be:
Word families
Position of where the word part falls
Other content areas (science, social studies, math, foreign languages, etc)
Word Web

15. Looking “To-WORD” the future…
Share these strategies with your departments
Share these strategies PARTICULARLY with content teachers – they have a ton of vocab/word study to do!
Develop some strategies and their use in your department meetings or PLCs – power in unity
Please share YOUR strategies with US so we can share your expertise with others
Questions? Comments? Feedback is welcome!