Hello Darlings!

It seems funny to talk about the beginning of the school year when this one has just come to a close but stick with me!! It won’t be long before you are back in the classroom and diving into the best part of the year–getting to know your kids.

At the beginning of the year, you will undergo a ton of assessments that help you uncover who your kids are as students, what they need, and how you can best support them. You will also be establishing routines and getting into a new rhythm. 

So where do you begin when it comes to word study?

Ah yes!! An assessment.

First, grab these word lists! Then, using their DRA and other incoming reading data, I select a list that I think best fits where they are at. I then tell kids what list they are. I like to label them A, B, C, etc. Then…for the crazy part. I give all of the spelling tests AT ONCE.

Yes. At ONCE.

I tell kids to listen for their word and letter. Then list by list, I administer the spelling test; alternating between A, B, and C. I give about 20 words and then we grade them together as a class or I take them home to grade them. All words that they get correct are highlighted on their list to show that they know them! Then, for the weeks following, kids study the ones they don’t know. They are tested in increments of 5 so it doesn’t feel overwhelming and as they master them, they get to highlight them. The goal? To learn and highlight them all!!

If you want to do this digitally, you can too! I have found these easy for sending words home to share with parents! Grab my resource here to get started! 

This really has been effective for my kids and highlighting their words is a HUGE motivator for word study! It is so incredible to see them grow and develop throughout the year as they advance through their lists and begin applying them to written and spoken language!! 

Before you go, be sure to add these essentials to your shopping list this week!

DM me on Instagram @thatteachingspark or tag me in a picture to show how you implement word study in your classroom!