About
Words Their Way (WTW) is a developmental spelling, phonics, and vocabulary program. It was developed by Invernizzi, Johnston, Bear, and Templeton. WTW is an approach to spelling and word knowledge that is based on extensive research literature and includes stages of development and instructional levels that are critical to the way students learn to read. A word study program allows teachers to provide differentiated efficient, effective instruction in phonics, spelling, and vocabulary. Word study teaches students to examine words to discover the regularities, patterns, and conventions of the English language in order to read, write, and spell. It increases specific knowledge of words – the spelling and meaning of individual words. Literacy is like a braid of interwoven threads: reading, oral language, and writing. Words Their Way demonstrates how exploration of orthographic knowledge can lead to the lengthening and strengthening of the literacy braid.
Why "WORD STUDY" instead of a "TRADITIONAL" spelling program?
Research clearly indicates that memorization of lists of "spelling words" does not promote the development of spelling skills. In the past the traditional approach of "everyone gets the same weekly list and test on Friday", many students who passed the spelling test were not able to transfer the knowledge to their writing! Memorizing a list of words and getting 100% on weekly tests does not necessarily mean your child is a good speller. It may just mean they are good at memorizing words for a test.
From the Words Their Way: Parental Information Brochure
"I need the words!"
Click on the button of which level your child is at. If you don't know which level, please email your student's teacher.
Words Their Way (WTW) is a developmental spelling, phonics, and vocabulary program. It was developed by Invernizzi, Johnston, Bear, and Templeton. WTW is an approach to spelling and word knowledge that is based on extensive research literature and includes stages of development and instructional levels that are critical to the way students learn to read. A word study program allows teachers to provide differentiated efficient, effective instruction in phonics, spelling, and vocabulary. Word study teaches students to examine words to discover the regularities, patterns, and conventions of the English language in order to read, write, and spell. It increases specific knowledge of words – the spelling and meaning of individual words. Literacy is like a braid of interwoven threads: reading, oral language, and writing. Words Their Way demonstrates how exploration of orthographic knowledge can lead to the lengthening and strengthening of the literacy braid.
Why "WORD STUDY" instead of a "TRADITIONAL" spelling program?
Research clearly indicates that memorization of lists of "spelling words" does not promote the development of spelling skills. In the past the traditional approach of "everyone gets the same weekly list and test on Friday", many students who passed the spelling test were not able to transfer the knowledge to their writing! Memorizing a list of words and getting 100% on weekly tests does not necessarily mean your child is a good speller. It may just mean they are good at memorizing words for a test.
From the Words Their Way: Parental Information Brochure
"I need the words!"
Click on the button of which level your child is at. If you don't know which level, please email your student's teacher.