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Literacy 7-12

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Literacy 7-12 > Strategies > Word Sorts

Word Sorts

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Overview

Word sorts are multisensory activities that help learners identify patterns and group words based on different categories while promoting Vocabulary development. Learners can sort words based on a variety of similarities, including meaning, prefixes, and suffixes. This helps students make justifications and supports higher order thinking, and they can be done independently or with a partner.

Use It in the Classroom

Watch how this fifth grade teacher sets up expectations for the word sorts by introducing a sort-map along with multiple sets of labeled cards. She models the activity and walks them through sorting the vocabulary, emphasizing the importance of thinking about the meaning of words.

  • Teachers can use word sorts to introduce a new unit or topic by giving students associated Vocabulary words and having them try to categorize them. Teachers can provide the words or have students choose words, and teachers can also do the same with categories: providing them (closed sorts) or having students determine the categories based on the commonalities they observe (open sorts).

    • Design it in Your Product

    Learn how Lexia PowerUp Literacy uses word study as part of its literacy instruction. The word sorts activity supports greater Phonological Processing and Vocabulary development.

  • Product developers can create different types of word sorts that leverage additional interactive features, such as visuals, text-to-speech, drag and drop capabilities, changing colors, and timers.
    • View References

    Resources

    Below are additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
    Examples

    Let's Talk Word Sorts

    Ways to address common problems that can arise using word sorts

    Examples

    Sorting Games

    Free online games for sorting words and images

    Examples

    Sorting It Out

    Grade-appropriate word sorts for middle school

    Examples

    Word Sorting for Middle School Students

    Word sort activity based on meanings of words

    Examples

    Word Sorts Aren't Just for Primary Grades

    Resources for word sort activities for older children

    Examples

    Words Their Way

    Video about integrating open sorts in classroom as a routine

    Factors Supported by this Strategy

    Student Background
    Adverse Experiences
    Literacy Environment
    Physical Well-being
    Primary Language
    Safety
    Sleep
    Socioeconomic Status
    Social and Emotional Learning
    Self-regulation
    Cognition
    Attention
    Inhibition
    Long-term Memory
    Metacognition
    Short-term Memory
    Speed of Processing
    Working Memory
    Literacy
    Disciplinary Literacy
    Vocabulary

    More Multisensory Supports Strategies

    Audiobooks

    Audiobooks allow students to hear fluent reading and experience books above their reading skills.

    Text-to-speech Software

    Transforming written text into audio supports learning by activating different parts of a learner's brain for comprehension.

    Movement Breaks

    Brain breaks that include movement allow learners to refresh their thinking and focus on learning new information.

    Gestures

    Adding gestures and motions to complement learning activates more cognitive processes for recall and understanding, particularly within content area instruction.

    Music & Dance

    Connecting information to music and dance moves enhances Short-term and Long-term Memory by drawing on auditory processes and the cognitive benefits of physical activity.

    Word Processing

    Research has shown that students write longer pieces with stronger quality when they use word processing software.

    Visual Reading Aids

    Visual supports, like text magnification, colored overlays, and text manipulation, help students focus and properly track as they read.

    Dictionary & Thesaurus

    Dictionaries and thesauruses can serve as resources for students to expand their Vocabulary knowledge, as they provide easy access to definitions and similar words to help students remember words and meanings more readily.

    Dictation/Speech-to-text

    Dictation can allow students with transcription difficulties to still participate in the writing process and generate ideas.

    Mindfulness Breaks

    Short breaks that include mindfulness quiet the brain to allow for improved thinking and emotional regulation.

    Sound-blocking Devices

    Using earplugs or headphones can increase focus and comfort.

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