The Daily Cafe

Upper Elementary Word Work


#1

I have been a 2nd grade teacher using Daily 5. Next year I will be moving 1,400 miles to start teaching 6th grade at a tiny country school- awesome, exciting, and just a teensy bit terrifying! I feel like I have a good idea how most of the components will look at 6th grade, but I’m less sure with word work. I plan to have individualized spelling lists for each kid (my class will be small enough that that is manageable!) but I’m a but stumped for some activities that they can do repeatedly as choices with different spelling lists. What are some of your favorite spelling/vocabulary choices?


#2

I suggest looking into Words Their Way. The manual gives LOTS of ideas for word sorts, and those sorts come in all levels, up through derivational word work. It also gives some suggestions for weekly word work sessions that kids can do during word work time.

The Sisters have also said that as our students get older, they may need less WW time, and suggest spending more of their time with Read to Self and Writing.


#3

If you have access to computers or tablets www.spellingcity.com is great. They have spelling and vocabulary games. They have a free version and the premium is very inexpensive.


#4

And, Spelling City has the Words their Way lists available :wink: