Word Study is a spelling and phonics program developed at the University of Virginia. Through word sorts, comparing and contrasting words, students learn to improve their spelling. The program uses a developmental assessment to place students. To learn more about Word Study, check out these books: Word Journeys by Kathy Ganske and Words Their Way by Donald Bear, Marcia Invernizzi, Shane R. Templeton, and Francine Johnston. At Davis Elementary, Word Study is used in conjunction with Open Court phonics to provide developmentally appropriate spelling instruction. Click on the links below to menus of word sorts created by Cece Tillman (Literary Coach at Davis Elementary) and Amy Haynes (Literary Coach at Dug Gap Elementary in Dalton, Georgia):