Word Families

Literacy has always been a love of mine.  Working with language based learning disabilities is very rewarding.  Many of these students have missed the rules that govern written language.  Explicit instruction in these areas is needed.  For more information on Language Based Learning Disabilities:  

http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/LBLD.htm

When working with these students I typically use Orton-Gillingham based strategies: http://www.orton-gillingham.com/

My students use the raised letter cards, phonemic objects, and sand/bead trays to enhance learning.  One of the best strategies I've found to use with whole-to-part learners is word families.  My kindergarten students don't always understand the importance of learning those odd looking letters, and the sounds they create until they realize that all those crazy letters make words.  I used the following resources to create some word family kits:  We made word wheels with this book:

Turn–to–Learn Wheels in Color: Word Families

(Professional Book) | Grades K-2

List Price: $20.99Our Price: $15.74

                                                  This is one my son made in his 

                                   fraternity colors : )

and mini books with this one:

25 Read & Write Mini-Books That Teach Word Families

( Professional Book) | Grades PreK-1

List Price: $11.99

Our Price: $8.99

I also made some file folder word walls that I found in another Scholastic book.

Instead of writing words on the inside of the folder as shown in the example, I decided to use this space for a Rapid Automatic Naming (RAN) task.
The students compete only against themselves to increase their time.  They love these tasks!

 

I placed a library pocket on the back of the folder to house the word family "marker" the students use to complete the RAN task.

Using a laser printer and blank business cards, I created flash cards for each word family.  The word is printed on one side, and a picture on the flip side.  Students can use these to rapidly name words as well.

Once I had the materials made, I had to organize them.....so I decided to die-cut the letters for the word family, glue them to a white mailing envelope, laminate the envelope, and tah dah!  Organized word family work!!

We have so little time with our students in public school, I like to make every minute count.  These are quick, organized activities that really improve student performance.