Words Their Way®: Within Word Pattern Sorts for Spanish Speaking English Learners provides teachers with a practical, research-based, classroom-proven way to study words with students, and a complete curriculum for within word pattern spellers from Spanish-speaking backgrounds. The approach focuses on vocabulary development and linguistic commonalities and contrasts to help support students as they grow in English. Included are prepared reproducible sorts and step-by-step directions on how to guide students through the sorting lesson, make literature connections, and follow-up activities to extend the lesson through weekly routines.
Although this book is designed to supplement the text Words Their Way® with English Learners: Word Study for Phonics, Vocabulary, and Spelling the pace and scope of the book is helpful for English learners from non-Spanish speaking backgrounds as well.
Lori Helman is associate professor in literacy education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Minnesota. Her research and writing have focused extensively on the reading and spelling development of students learning English as a new language, including other Words Their Way® instructional materials for English learners.