Teaching Tip #49 Word Sorts
By: Nicole McCormack
What is it?
Some categories the teacher might choose are:
-rhyming words
-consonant sounds
-number of syllables
-root words and affixes
Purpose
-It can be used in any subject.
-Students get to collaborate in small groups.
-Helps ELL students discover how english is different than their native language.
How to Use Word Sorts
-Open Word Sort: students are given words that they must
sort in order to figure out what the categories are.
-Closed Word Sort: Students are given the categories and a list of words to sort into
those categories.
2. Make a list of words. Teacher comes up with a list of 6-20 words and puts each word on a small card.
3. Introduce Word Sort. If it is a closed sort the teacher will present the categories and allow the students to work in groups to arrange and rearrange within those categories. If it is an open sort the students will categorize the words in the list they are given and try to determine what the categories are.
4. Make a permanent record. Students glue their cards onto a large poster board/piece of paper. They could also just write their words on a sheet of paper.
5. Share Word Sorts. For open sorts the students will share with the class the categories they chose and why.
Connection to Literacy Standards
-Students apply phonics and word-analysis skills
-students recognize word relationships
-students understand meanings of vocabulary words