Which word sorting strategy allows students active manipulation of words?

The open word sort strategy is effective because it provides students the opportunity to actively manipulate and categorize words according to their own criteria or understanding. In this approach, students are not given predefined categories; instead, they create their own groups based on similarities, differences, or patterns they observe in the words provided. This active engagement fosters deeper cognitive processes as students analyze the words and articulate their thinking. Such manipulation enhances vocabulary development and reinforces comprehension skills, as they must justify their sorting choices. The flexibility of an open word sort encourages collaborative discussions among peers, enriching the learning experience through shared insights and reasoning.