How do I get started?

When I gave the child the Within Word Inventory, I found my starting point. The point where the student scores less than four is the starting point. I have had students master upper level features, but not lower level. If this is the case, you’d drop back and address the features the child lacks.

It’s important to look at each individual student to determine what to teach and the next step, but it’s also important to make your word study instruction manageable. To group your students, you will put their papers in order from the top stage score to the lowest stage score and form no more than three word study groups if possible. This means that your lists may not be a perfect match to every student, but it’s important to remember, “a step back is a step forward“. This phrase was used quite often during the word study course, and it means that we want firm understanding. We want to see that students are applying the knowledge in their writing as well as in their reading.
Let’s Look at Grouping The Class Above

Hi, Carla! Do you think this would work for 3rd graders? Spelling is one of those areas where I see such a huge gap between my students. What do you do for those gifted spellers? Vocabulary? Prefix/Suffix? Looking forward to these posts. Thanks!
I've typically had 3 spelling groups somewhat tied to my reading groups (but sometimes they don't mesh, so you may have one or two that have to be pulled with a reading group just for the spelling part). WS is meant to be quick…5-10 minutes of a 30 min small group time. I do a staggered introduction day since that lesson takes longer. I will be walking through routines, homework, and management in my posts, but definitely, the answer is yes. Vocabulary and prefixes/suffixes is part of word study. You move from sound to pattern to meaning, and for instructional readers, the focus is on meaning with Greek and Latin roots, etc. So…stay tuned. I am working on post #2.
I LOVE Word Study…you know that. What a great post!
I also use Word Journeys and love it! I can't imagine using anything other than a developmental spelling framework. I love looking at the progress my students are making throughout the year and sharing it with parents. It's amazing! Thanks for sharing!Teaching Tips and Treasures
It really does make a difference especially for struggling readers. Working on my next post now. Thanks for commenting, Elizabeth!
Thank you, Cathy!