Word+Sort


 * Word Sort**

Word sort is a strategy whereby students sort words and concepts into different categories. Word sort can be used to introduce a new topic or to ascertain prior knowledge necessary for student understanding of new material. It is also used to examine ways in which words or concepts might be related or connected and to support student discussion around these connections. It may then be used to identify patterns in words (see “Making Words” in “Direct Instruction Strategies”). Word sort is an open-ended activity that requires students to use higher-level thinking skills to find unique or unusual ways to categorize words.
 * Description**

The teacher:
 * Method**
 * decides which words and concepts will be used in the word sort;
 * provides modelling when the strategy is first introduced;
 * supports students to think about and organize words and concepts in unique or creative ways;
 * provides opportunities for groups to generate and share their categories;
 * provides opportunities in follow-up work for students to examine definitions of concepts and words used in the sort.

Word sort:
 * Considerations**
 * is a good way to introduce or review new vocabulary and concepts in a motivating way;
 * focuses students on the key ideas of the object of study (e.g., topic, lesson, story);
 * requires an environment where risk taking is encouraged;
 * in early grades, should start with five to ten words or concepts at a time; for older grades, with ten to twenty words or concepts;
 * may include pictures for early emergent readers;
 * provides opportunities to practise thinking in new or unique ways.


 * Illustrations From The Mathematics Classroom**

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 * Elementary**

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 * Secondary**