This article goes more in-depth at describing the word study approach. Word study does not involve memorizing a list of words for the weekly test."A word study program is a cohesive approach that addresses word recognition, vocabulary, and phonics as well as spelling" (Zutell, 1992).
The great thing about word study is that students are learning a pattern and focusing on that pattern. Once they have learned the pattern, the goal is ultimately that they will be able to apply the word pattern to their reading and writing. The other great thing discussed in this article is that word study is differentiated. Groups are focusing on different word patterns that are fitting to their needs or level. This article also shares what the cycle of word study might look like in a classroom. Overall, great resource!

Zutell, J. (1992). An integrated view of word knowledge: Correlational studies of the relationships among spelling, reading, and conceptual development. In S. Templeton & D. Bear (Eds.), Development of orthographic knowledge and the foundations of literacy: A memorial festschrift for Edmund H. Henderson. (p. 213-230). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
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students.

-I control the groups my students are in for word work.

- I want to incorporate activities that are not included in the words their way program. Ex: building word patterns with playdoh

- Some of my families have severe behavior problems - managing these behaviors might skew the data

to be a part of action research, confidentiality is taken seriously.

-Data is recorded accurately.

fabricate data in order to substantiate a personal belief or value” (Mills, 2014)


Mills, G. (2007, 2011, 2014). ​

Action research: a guide for the teacher researcher. Upper Saddle

River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc.

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