Procedure Guide: SIGNAL WORD SORT see organizer

Purpose: To assist students in recognizing and internalizing the directions the various signal words are providing.

Preparation

· On a transparency, make five columns entitled description, sequence, comparison and contrast; cause and effect, problem and solution.

· Write each signal word on an index card. Make enough sets for each small group who will be completing the sort.

Before or After

• Explain the purpose of the activity.
• Using a Think-Aloud, model sorting the signal words by selecting a signal card and

writing the word in the appropriate column. Do this for several words, at least one in

each column. . .

• To help students become familiar with the signal words, provide each student with a graphic organizer with the signal words listed in the appropriate column. In small groups, have them look over and discuss the signal words and the categories.
• Have students write the column names on index cards to be used as column headers.

• First Round: Have students continue to work-in small groups. Give each group a set of the signal cards and have them take turns putting the cards in the appropriate columns. In this round, allow students to get assistance from their peers, the graphic organizer, or the teacher, if necessary. Have each student explain why a signal word is in a particular category and then check the accuracy of the sort when complete. Instruct students to continue until all group members have completed the sort.
• Second Round: Have students categorize the signal words as in the first round; however, other group members should give assistance only after the current sorter is through with the entire deck and has explained his/her thinking. Only then should they suggest revisions. (The teacher should intervene only as a last resort.) Instruct students to continue until all group members have completed the sort.
• Additional Rounds: Allow additional rounds as needed until all students are familiar with the signal words and their categories.

Assessment

Students' signal word sorts

Validity and accuracy of student reasoning