Word Sorts

A Word Sort is a categorizing organizer. This means words are put together to show relationships of the vocabulary or concepts. Word Sorts can be used before, during, and after reading.

How to use Word Sorts:

1. The teacher selects vocabulary from a topic that can be sorted into three or four categories.
2. The teacher determines the title for the categories and the students divide the chart into the number concept categories.
3. The students decide which vocabulary words belong in which categories and list the words accordingly.

Word Sorts determine meanings of words by using specialized meanings. They also determine meanings of words using the concept of categorization. The word sort example above is for music, but all the words are listed and each of these words belong in a category. Students will be able to arrange words systematically through this activity. This activity can be done with younger and older grades.

Tama, M. C., & Haley, A. M. (2007). Vocabulary strategies. In M. C. Tama & A. M. Haley (Eds.), Guiding reading and writing in the content areas: Practical strategies (pp. 43-45). Dubusque, IA: Kendall-Hunt.