Word Study
Introduction
Fourth and Fifth Grade Word Study
Welcome to the wonderful world of word study! Over the last several years, a district elementary curriculum committee has been updating the English Language Arts curriculum to Common Core State Standards. The change to the former spelling program took place in order for students to meet the new learning outcomes defined in the Common Core.
Last year’s third grade students were introduced to a few syllable types. As fourth grade students, they will have the opportunity to dive deeper into the six syllable types, words and word parts, prefixes and suffixes, and Greek and Latin roots. Each lesson focuses on students being able to read, spell, and understand the words that are introduced each week. This leads to a deeper understanding and an ability to transfer learning to other words with similar patterns. This learning also transfers to other curricular areas as well. While this is the second year of implementation in District 204 schools, this letter gives an overview of what you can expect your child to experience in fourth and fifth grade word study this year.
What is word study and how is it different from spelling?
The comprehensive study of words and word formation leads to the ability to spell. In contrast, students do not learn how to spell words by memorizing the order of letters in a word. Therefore, providing students with a list of words to memorize each week will not bring about a deep understanding of how words are formed, nor will it help them become proficient spellers.
Grades 4 and 5 will focus on understanding rules of syllabication and concepts that apply to a large majority of English words, as well as words that break the traditional phonetic rules. The premise of 4th and 5th grade is to build a strong background in how words work.
In addition to spelling, we are also applying patterns in order to read and understand written language. Advanced concepts include prefixes, suffixes, homophones, homographs, and Greek and Latin roots.
Will my student receive spelling lists and take spelling tests?
Students will no longer take just a "traditional" spelling test. Rather, students will spend a week or more studying and practicing a concept or skill, and then be assessed on their application of that concept or skill. Assessments can come in the form of writing a given word, written dictation sentences, word lists, sorting, fill-in-the-blank, etc.
Students will not come home with a weekly spelling list to be practiced and memorized. Word Study will focus more on the concepts, principles, and patterns associated with understanding how words are spelled versus rote memorization of a list of words each week.
Will my child still receive a grade for spelling and/or word study on the report card?
Yes. Student achievement will be shared with parents in Grades 4-5 under the heading of “Word Study” on the district report card with traditional letter grades: A, B, C, D, or F.
How can I support my child at home?
Each quarter, you will receive a letter that will inform you about the upcoming quarter’s word study concepts and learning targets that will be studied, and an overview of how to support your child at home with this curriculum.
The overarching concept is that all words are made up of a combination of syllable types. Throughout the year, we will be studying all of these syllable types.