Sorting Mats

I have  my students use the words their way sorts to work on phonics skills in the classroom.  They are partnered up with a student on their phonics skill level to assist them with this work.  They do the same sort twice a week.  On Mondays they are expected to sort out all of the cards and put them in the right category.  If they finish early they can pick up a card and verbally ask their partner what letter the picture starts with or how to spell the word depending on what type of sort they are working on.  If you do not have the words their way program it is very easy to type up a list of words and have students work on categorizing them.  I like to take the sorts and laminate them ahead of time.  This cuts down on all the time it takes for students to cut them out.  Then I place them in a small envelope and rotate the sort through my groups based on their ability.  On Wednesday pairs re-sort their cards and put them under the correct category again, moving faster this time.  After their sort is complete they use a sorting sheet to record their answers.  Partners take turns quizzing each other over how to spell words and this time they write it on their recording sheet.  I like to put the sheets in a page protector and have students use a dry erase marker to play the game.  This allows students much need writing practice along with reading the words.