I got this idea from Beth Newingham. She can probably explain it better than I can, so go check out her Scholastic Blog! I do a variation on Words Their Way (I lovee this program).
I have four different spelling groups; Cupcakes, Crayons, Strawberries and Snowmen (and, yes, I let them choose their group names, can you tell?). All of the groups are practicing the same pattern, but they receive different words based on ability level. The Cupcake/Crayon groups receive the same words and the Strawberry/Snowmen groups receive the same words.
I introduce the pattern on Monday and each group gets their 10 words for the week (starred on their word sheet).
Throughout the week, all the students practice the pattern with all 30 words. On Friday, each group is tested on their words (I give two tests at the same time) and they are all also tested on an extra 10 words that follow the pattern of the week.
For students who really study and practice, it works really well!
The folders in are housed in the Word Study area of our classroom, since I have a mix of students from 2 homerooms. They fit perfectly in these half-size file folder boxes from Wal-Mart. This area also has our rotation chart and all the word study materials.
Each student has their own spelling folder that corresponds to their group name. Each folder has a label (with their group icon) in the upper right hand corner. This makes the folders easier to find.
They keep their cut-up words in a labeled envelope in their folder.
In their folders, the students have a spelling notebook. In the notebook, they write down their 5 high frequency words for the week.
The students get their high frequency words from the list in their folder. Once they get a word correct on their test, they highlight it on their chart. Each week they choose five words to study. The students test each other on their high frequency words (since every student has different words).
On the right side of their folder, students keep their center worksheets for the week. I check these when the students meet with me to make sure there are no misconceptions. I send them home at the end of the week so that their folder is empty for the next set of words. You can grab these sheets here.When the students come into spelling, they check to see which activities are available for their group that day. I meet with 1-2 groups a day, while the others are at different centers.
The students write their words on the iPads and then "type" them on the keys. Click here for the free template from Mrs. Gilchrist's Class.
The students use magnetic letters to spell out their words on the whiteboard. The letters and the whiteboard are from the Target Dollar Spot.
The students use the chart to sign their words to their partner. Their partner then needs to guess what word they spelled out.
Rainbow words are a lot of fun! Students write their spelling words in different colored markers or pencils.
I also use these activity sheets in our small groups. I put them in plastic pouches so that they can be re-used.Students write their words on the iPhone screen and then "type" their words out. Click here for the free template from Traci Clausen.
I try to be very neat and organized, especially if I want the students to be completely independent.
The iPads, iPods, Sign Language cards and Roll and Spell cards are kept in a pocket chart.
The rocks, board games, stencils, and magnetic letters are kept in the small boxes. Worksheets are in the drawers.
Each box is labeled for easy student access.
My students really love these activities and look forward to doing them throughout the week. I've seen a huge success with them in the classroom as well.