Word Journeys: Assessment-Guided Phonics, Spelling, and Vocabulary Instruction

by Kathy Ganske

This book presents a highly practical approach to assessing children's spelling and word knowledge abilities and offering effective, appropriate instruction. Included is the Developmental Spelling Analysis (DSA), a dictated word inventory that enables teachers to quickly and easily evaluate students' stages of spelling development and their knowledge of important orthographic features. Detailed guidelines are set forth for engaging students in hands-on word study that is tailored to their specific strengths and weaknesses. Validated and field-tested, the instructional techniques described here reflect the author's many years of classroom experience. Particularly useful features of the book include narrative "snapshots" of children at different stages of spelling development; numerous examples of student work; suggested word sort activities for each orthographic feature; lists of recommended books and poems; and a focus on fostering a love of words through word play and language appreciation. Provided in the appendices are reproducible forms for administering the DSA, plus a list of over 12,000 words arranged by sound, pattern, and meaning-related features.

Genres: Teaching, Education, School

340 pages, Paperback

First published April 25, 2000

Reviews

[Larissa Hinton]

This book was very helpful breaking down what the dsa entails and how to help each kid where they are. She gives plenty of examples of activities to help each kid. However, I noticed that the word sorts were missing. I guess the idea is to buy the next book to get the sorts which I'm not a fan of. I understand that she put word lists in the book but why hype up the word sorts and not include it? It seems like a tactic to keep us buying more and more of her books instead of simply giving the resources described in this book. It gives me the slight ick.

[Kimberly]

An approach to spelling which focuses on the stages of development in orthographic awareness. Diagnostic testing helps the teacher to identify developmental level and which word features are strengths or weaknesses for students. Word study strategies and word lists to support various features are included.

This resource is excellent if you are moving toward differentiated spelling programming and are looking for a deeper understanding of word features. Literacy programs such as the Daily 5 provide the structure to support such differentiation.

Recommended for elementary and middle school teachers.

[Janice]

I am currently reading this book written by a former college professor. A useful assessment tool for testing a student's orthographic knowledge.

[maria]

professional reading

[Debbie Moody]

Word Journeys provides teachers with an easy to follow guideling for establishing spelling and vocubulary strategies.

[Katie]

I think this will be one that I reread parts of. Still sorting it out, but going to try some of these things this year in my classroom.

[Christy]

Excellent book to help guide Word Study.

[Sarah Sherman]

Great resource for implementing word study in an elementary school classroom.