Based on the research on invented and developmental spelling, this book provides a practical way for teachers to study words with students. The framework of the book is keyed to the five stages of spelling or orthographic development so that it complements the use of any existing phonics, spelling, and vocabulary curriculums. The book presents more than 300 word study activities which are set up to follow literacy development from emergent to more mature, specialized stages. Often presented in a game-like format, these activities are actually mini-lessons that draw upon what students concurrently are learning in developmental reading and writing. Chapters in the book are (1) How Words Are Learned; (2) Words and the Development of Orthographic Knowledge; (3) Getting Started: The Assessment of Orthographic Development; (4) What Is Word Study?; (5) Word Study for Emergent Learners in the Preliterate Stage; (6) Word Study for Beginners in the Letter Name Stage; (7) Word Study for Transitional Learners in the Within Word Pattern Stage; and (8) Word Study for Intermediate and Specialized Readers and Writers in the Syllable Juncture and Derivational Constancy Stages. Contains 107 references. A 109-item glossary and a 74-item list of children's literature for word study are attached. (RS)