Word Sort-Expository

Description: 
This strategy involves a collection of words and phrases from an expository text with each word of phrase written on an index card.  Students review the cards, develop categories, name each category, and rearrange cards in the appropriate categories.  Students then use the categories to make predictions about the expository text.  Students then read the selection and after reading, rearrange the cards and create new categories so they can more accurately retell and discuss the selection.  

How to Use the Strategy:
  1. Prepare a collection of content specific words and phrases and put them on index cards or pieces of paper.
  2. Hand out a set of words and phrases to groups, pairs or individual and discuss words.
  3. Explain to the students that they will be organizing them into categories and explaining the relationships between the words in each category before reading the section.  
  4. Have students organize, discuss the relationships, and then make predictions about the chapter or unit.  Students can ask themselves: What might be the title? What might be the theme?  What will this text be about?  
  5. Read the selection and then have students make new categories based on the reading.
  6. Have students retell or discuss the selection using their categories.
Resources
Download these resources to use in your classroom. 
Directions for printing Toolbox Cards
1.Download the toolbox card
2. Select the save button in the right hand corner
3. Open the saved document
4. Select File>Print
5. Change Page Scaling setting to Booklet Printing
6. Change Booklet Subset to Both sides
7. Press OK
word sort expository toolbox card.pdf
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File Type: pdf
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