September 29, 2012

Dear Parent/Guardian,

This week our class will begin a Word Study program that is designed to develop your child’s spelling skills. In an effort to better meet individual needs of our students, our class will have several different spelling lists. I have split the class into groups of students that are in need of the same spelling skills and have then set a schedule that they will follow. Your student will receive a new set of words and a word study contract on Monday. Each day, students will complete their word study activities and check off each one on their contract. When they are complete, students will initial that the work is done. For homework, students will bring home their words to sort and practice. When students complete the assigned homework, please initial to show that the work is done. Please note that students will have homework every day but Friday.

Throughout the year, I will reassess students and adjust groups accordingly to best meet their needs. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. In advance, I would like to thank you for your flexibility and your support with the implementation of this program.

Please see the attached contract for a list of activities and homework that will be expected of your child. I have also included a cheat sheet to explain the homework activities.

Thank you,

Shari Rawls

Shari.Rawls@cms.k12.nc.us

Word Study Homework Cheat Sheet

Closed Sort – Use the headers provided and sort words on a table or surface.

Open Writing Sort – Do NOT use the headers provided and sort words using one of the following patterns listed below. Sort words on a table by choosing one pattern and then record them in their notebook with the headers they chose to use.

1. Spelling (beginning or ending letter) - bat, bite, bar, bid (all words begin with the same letter) 2. Sound (short or long vowel sounds) - bat, cat, hat, mat, rat (all words have a short a vowel sound) 3. Idea/Concept (words have a theme in common) - bat, baseball, glove, uniform (all words have a baseball theme)

Speed Sort – Complete a closed sort using the headers provided and time how long it takes to sort words. Sort words 3 times and try to beat previous time.

Blind Writing Sort – Students will record the headers in their notebook and another person will say their words aloud. The student will then write the word under the correct header without seeing the word.