Word Ladders! Fun with Phonics, Spelling & Vocabulary for Beginning Readers
In this ongoing class children will build reading, vocabulary, spelling and decoding skills through playing Word Ladders! Word Ladder, invented by Lewis Carroll, is a puzzle that begins with two words, and to solve the puzzle one must find a chain of other words to link the two, in which two adjacent words differ by one letter.
The Friendly Forest School with Ms. Nora, M.Ed.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(137)
What's included
1 live meeting
25 mins in-class hours per weekClass Experience
US Grade Kindergarten - 1
In this engaging and interactive class students will build language and literacy skills through the fun activity of creating "Word Ladders". Word Ladder is a word game invented by Lewis Carroll. A word ladder puzzle begins with two words, and to solve the puzzle one must find a chain of other words to link the two, in which two adjacent words differ by one letter. In this class readers will recognize, read, and spell words CVC (consonant, vowel, consonant) words. Each class will begin with greetings and a welcoming poem that includes a mindful breath and a big stretch, allowing us to prepare our mindset for learning. I will introduce a "word of the day" and we will learn the definition. Then, we will begin to complete our Word Ladder. Students joining this class should know their letter names, sounds, beginning to read CVC words. How to play: Students will all receive a printable ladder graphic organizer ahead of class. Each week will have a fun theme. I will have students begin with one word and then make a series of other words by changing or rearranging the letters in the before word. We will continue in that manner until we reach the top rung of the ladder. At the top of the ladder, students will have a final word that is in some way related to the first word. As the classes progress, students will gain decoding and spelling skills, while building vocabulary. When students add or rearrange letters to make a new word from one they have just made, they must examine sound-symbol relationships closely, which will assist children in learning how to decode and spell accurately. Children will enjoy the fun clues and figuring out which word is next! After finishing the activity I will extend the lesson and help deepen their understanding of word relationships by asking students to sort the words into different categories. For instance they could sort them into: - Grammatical categories. (Which words are nouns? Verbs?) - Word structure. (Which words have a long vowel and which do not? Which contain a digraph or consonant blend) - Word meaning. (Which words express what a person can do or feel? Which do not?) -Word definitions. (Which words have multiple meanings? Can you think of a different definition?) Each class will end with a review of our "word of the day". If we have time we will create an illustration of our word. Finally, we will close with a positive affirmation and a goodbye song! Week 1: Counting Up Week 2: Home, Sweet Home Week 3: In the Doghouse Week 4: Shrinking Sizes Week 5: All Wet Week 6: Go, Team Week 7: Sweet Seasons Week 8: Art Smart
Other Details
Supply List
A printable "Word Ladder" will be available to download before class.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined February, 2022
4.9
137reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Get $10 off my classes with coupon code FRIENNOVEMBER10 until Dec 1, 2024.
Welcome to The Friendly Forest School!
I come to you with a wealth of knowledge, classroom experience, and a passion for teaching young children though play.
My classes follow a Waldorf-inspired approach that focuses on the holistic development of children, ensuring that academic skills are nurtured in an engaging and imaginative manner.
A predictable peaceful rhythm, delightful melodies, American Sign Language, and captivating tales (often set in the Friendly Forest) infuse every lesson, making learning a joyful exploration!I
By embracing the ebb and flow of nature's cycles, my goal is to help children feel grounded, secure, and ready to absorb knowledge with open hearts and curious minds.
ABOUT ME:
My journey began in the summer of 2001 when I had an internship in Early Childhood Education at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. After graduating from Purdue University with my Bachelors Degree, I began working as a social worker and case manager for young children in LaPorte, Indiana.
I then moved to Phoenix, AZ and started my journey in Special Education, working as an in-home therapist for children with Autism and other developmental disabilities. I specialized in building expressive language through American Sign Language. Additionally, I focused on treating the whole child though sensory integration and positive behavior support. In 2005 I was named by the Governor as Arizona's "Caregiver of the Year"!
In 2006, I obtained my Masters Degree in Special Education and began working in a K-6 Self Contained Classroom. During this time I worked to develop an award winning School-wide Positive Behavior Intervention Support program based entirely on peace and mindfulness. I was awarded the "You Make a Difference" award by the Osborn School District for my work on this project!
My daughter, Eleanor, was born in 2010. In 2013 I left the classroom to be a full-time mama. My youngest daughter, Annalise, was born in 2013. During this time I began to adopt Waldorf philosophies at home and began homeschool using Waldorf and Montessori inspired pedagogy.
In 2017, I started my own Early Childhood Center called "Let's Play Learning". The developmentally appropriate curriculum was based on the view that children learn best when they are actively exploring the natural world and a carefully constructed environment in the company of their caregiver and directed by loving, professionally prepared teachers. I closed my doors at the beginning of the pandemic and began teaching online, which I love!
In my classes I strive to create a culture of peace and mindfulness while teaching academic skills through nature, imaginative play, storytelling, and artistic expression.
I now live with my family just five minutes away from beautiful Lake Michigan.Reviews
Live Group Class
$10
weekly1x per week
25 min
Completed by 7 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-10
3-10 learners per class
