Word Work

Students experiment with words, and develop a genuine curiosity for and interest in new and unique words. By playing with words, students hone their knowledge of words and increase their speaking and writing skills.

Word Work is an important component of developing literacy supporting both in reading and writing development. It helps to develop their vocabulary and spelling knowledge. Parents can help by establishing the following three routines which will enhance engagement, motivation and ownership:

1. Set up a place for students to collect (write down) words that are new and unique or related to an area of interest. This should be done on an ongoing basis. If they read an interesting word-add it to the list. They can then use these words for the activities.

2. Learners should choose how they want to practice their words from the suggestions below or their own ideas

3. Provide a variety of materials to practice the words including white boards, magnetic letters, letter stamps, coloured markers, clay/play dough, sticks and dirt, sticky notes

Every day students can use their new words along with familiar words to play games or complete activities. Playing with new words helps children develop their vocabulary and spelling skills. Try some of these suggestions or incorporate word games into your family game night.

Word Work Suggestions

Classic Games (Junior versions available for most) that help develop vocabulary or knowledge of words:

Catch Phrase, Scrabble, Boggle, Bananagrams, 5 Second Rule, Scattegories, Rhyming games (I spy)