Word Sorter

Purpose:  To engage students in the activity of classifying topics, words, phrases, into categories based upon their knowledge of the content.

Description: In this activity, students have the chance to classify topics, words, and phrases into categories. The process of sorting and classifying strengthens the student's ability to comprehend and retain difficult information. Through a discussion of possible solutions, students negotiate the contextual meaning of the topics, words, or phrases they are sorting.

Procedure: 

  1. Generate a list of words related to the topic for review. These words should fall into one of the following categories: Important Characteristics, Uses, Examples, and Non-Examples. (Hint: These categories can be changed to accommodate your topic of study.)
  2. Make a copy of both of the word list and the Frayer Model graphic organizer on transparency paper.
  3. Cut out the words on the word list and store in a zip-lock bag when not in use.
  4. Lay the graphic organizer on an overhead projector.
  5. Place word list words in the center of the graphic organizer one at a time (jumble the order) allowing students to identify the appropriate quadrant location for the word.

Hint: When using this as a warm-up activity, allow students to make errors that will be corrected as you teach your lesson. When using this as a review activity, identify mistakes and re-teach topics when students make errors.

 

Word Sort Activity Sheet ( Frayer Model graphic organizer)

Sample Word List and Sort

 

from Instructional Strategies for Engaging Learners
Guilford County Schools TF, 2002

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