Activity Objective

The goal of Word Work: A Component Of The Daily Five is to use a method developed by Gail Boushey and Joan Moser to provide opportunities for exposure to and use of a variety of words and practice spelling irregular high frequency words.

What You Need

Prep Time:

10-20 minutes
- Prepare Word Work I-chart
- Select a variety of Word Work activities
- Prepare word work center

Task Time:

2, 30 minute sessions
Session 1:
- Teacher and students brainstorm ideas for the Word Work I-chart
- Students model a Word Work activity
- Students work in pairs or independently and practice the Word Work activity

Session 2:
- Teacher gives mini-lesson
- Teacher reviews activity
- Students select Word Work as part of The Daily Five

Materials Required:

Teacher:
- Chart paper
- Markers

Students:
- Word work activities

Optional:
- Computer

What You Do

Teacher Role:

Direct instruction:
- while brainstorming ideas for the Word Work I-chart and giving mini-lesson

Supporter:
- while students model a Word Work activity

Facilitator:
- while students work in pairs and begin activity

Student Grouping:

Whole class:
- during brainstorming session, student modeling and mini-lesson

Pairs:
- during Word Work activity

Assessment Ideas:

- Track students' selection of word work activities by recording the name of the activity and how often it is chosen
      a. Use this information to guide you in selecting new and interesting games and activities

- Choose a familiar activity and invite students to independently work with you on the selected activity
      a. Make observations and record strengths and next steps
      b. Provide students with oral feedback
      c. Repeat the same activity 2-3 times throughout the year and record students' progress and growth

Quick Tips

Activity Extensions:

- Invite students to create a spelling activity or game

- Keep parents informed by sending a monthly newsletter home outlining word work activities that are occurring in your classroom on a regular basis
      a. Encourage parents to try simple word work activities at home

- Display photos of the working on various activities and post them at the working with words center

Additional Comments:

- Word Work is a component of The Daily Five, an instructional framework for reading and writing. The Daily Five is a method developed by Gail Boushey and Joan Moser and provides students with a series of independent and guided literacy tasks.

- Exposing students to new vocabulary words will help them expand their vocabulary. Providing opportunities to practice spelling words through a fun and motivating game will also help students commit the words to memory and will also promote the automatic use of the words when communicating with others.

- Select a variety of word work activities that students can complete independently or in pairs.

- As you introduce activities at different times throughout the year provide explicit instructions and an opportunity for students to practice each activity. Review instructions on a regular basis.

- Word Work activities: http://web.me.com/varkgirl/2nd_Grade/Word_Work.html

- Word Work activities: http://www.thedailycafe.com/public/409.cfm

Other Adaptations/Modifications:

- Provide quiet work spaces for students disturbed by sound