Make enough sets of cards so that multiple pairs of students can have cards to sort. Use a 3x5 card or print the words on a business card sized paper. Choose terms that can be categorized based on a shared relationship among the words. Identify 15-20 critical terms related to the chosen topic.Ģ.

Select a content related text that is appropriate for the student. After guided practice, students should only use the strategy independently, once they have shown they have mastered the strategy. Students can also be given the opportunity to reflect on the strategy. They can also model the think aloud strategy (when in pairs) to strengthen comprehension and learning of the steps involved. During this time, scaffold the learning and support students who need assistance in using the strategy. Guide students in performing the strategy in small groups or in pairs. This may need to occur over the course of several days based on the needs of the students. Using a think aloud procedure, voice out the thought process behind each stage of the strategy.

Provide students with an explanation of the strategy: what it is and when it should be used. Use explicit instruction (explanation, modeling, guided practice, independent practice) to teach learning strategies to students.Įxplain the strategy. Learning strategies aid students in understanding information and are to be used by students independently.

Students can more familiar with new vocabulary through a word sort or students can gain extra practice with previously learned vocabulary through word sorts. The Word Sort strategy increases students’ understanding of content related vocabulary words by allowing the students to sort predetermined words into categories (closed sort) or sorting the words that they decide are related into groups (open sort). Students who struggle with content related vocabulary words.

Printable vocabulary word sorts