Word Sorts Activity Worksheet printable pdf download

Word Sorts Activity Worksheet

Word Sorts

What Are Word Sorts?

There are two types of word sorts: closed and open. In closed word sorts the teacher defines

the process for categorizing the words. This requires students to engage in critical thinking as

they examine sight vocabulary, corresponding concepts, or word structure. In open word

sorts the students determine how to categorize the words, thereby becoming involved in an

active manipulation of words.

Word Sort Activities

Alphabetization

Students shuffle and arrange cards alphabetically.

Spelling of Prefixes, Suffixes, or Roots

Students categorize words by how their prefixes, suffixes, or roots are spelled:

ad-: ac-, al-, ap-, ar-, at-

|@ b@l|: -able, -ible

scrib, scrip, script

Students can cut or fold word cards to separate a prefix and/or suffix from a base

word or root.

Parts of Speech

Students could sort words and word parts into columns according to the part of

speech formed when a suffix is added. Students can also see spelling-meaning links

by tracking the base word or root across each row.

Base Word

or Root

Noun

Adjective

Verb

legal

legalize

fract

fracture

flex

flexible

eleg

elegance

elegant

Word Sorts Activity Worksheet