Word Walls

1

Word Walls
Provided by Reading Coach Rhonda Clyatt Lake
Butler Middle School, Union County
2

• One forgets words as one forgets names. Ones
  vocabulary needs constant fertilizing or it will
  die.
• -Evelyn Waugh

3
What are Word Walls

• A word wall is a systematically organized
  collection of words displayed on a large wall or
  other large display place in a classroom. It is a
  tool to use to promote group learning.
• It is a visual map.
• It develops a growing core of words.
• It provides reference support for students during
  reading, solving, and writing.

4
Guidelines

• Add words gradually, about 5 per week
• Make words accessible by placing them where every
  student can see them and they can be used for
  vocabulary activities
• Be selective of the words you pick
• Make sure words are spelled correctly
• Remember to practice with the words you have
  selected

5
Where to Start

• There is no right way to make a word wall but
  there is a difference between a word display and
  an interactive word wall
• You may pre-select words that are relevant to
  current instruction and have them up on the
  wall
• You may add words as they are used/introduced in
  your classroom
• You may use a combination of words on display and
  a section that is accessbile and interactive

6
Details

• Make sure words are large enough for all students
  to see
• Make sure they are spelled correctly
• Make sure you plan time for decoding of new words
• Plan daily activities to review current words and
  meanings

7
Where to Find Words

• Blooms taxonomy
• Rigor/Relevance Framework
• Content Area words
• Words of student choice (interesting, unusual,
  unfamiliar words)
• From any text used in the class (textbooks,
  articles, novels, AR books)
• Words with common prefixes, roots, vowel
  combinations, etc...

8
Interactive Word Walls

• Add words frequently
• Use words from your IWW on a daily basis
• Select words that can be frequently used by
  students
• Use strategies to personalize the learning of
  students
• Vocabulary posters
• Graphic organizers
• Use environmental print
• Word continuums
• Florida Reading Initiative Essential Six
  Strategies
• Word Walls are accessible, not permanent fixtures

9
A Few Strategies and Activities
Concept of Definition Maps Capsule
Vocabulary Sentence or Word Expansion LEaRN
Vocabulary Activities on Video Scattegories (A.
Thomas) Grab A Word (A. Thomas) Decoding
Words (A. Thomas) Vocabulary Posters (J.
Greathouse)
10

• Concept of Definition Maps

What is it?
Synonym antonym
What is it like?
definition picture
examples
11
Capsule Vocabulary

• Vocabulary is learned when it can be used
  naturally in speaking, listening, and writing.
• Select 8-10 words on a single topic or concept
• Model using words in a discussion
• Divide students into pairs
• Pairs hold conversations
• Write summary using words

12
Sentence or Word Expansion

• A brainstorming activity which can be used
• as a revision technique for elaborating with
• more precise vocabulary in writing.
• Write a simple sentence on the board.
• Brainstorm how to replace parts of the sentence
  with more interesting words.
• Rewrite the boring sentence into a creative
  sentence.

13
Examples of Word Displays and Word Walls
14
Examples of Word Displays and Word Walls
15
Examples of Word Displays and Word Walls
16
Examples of Word Displays and Word Walls
17
Examples of Word Displays and Word Walls
18
Examples of Word Displays and Word Walls
19
Examples of Word Displays and Word Walls
20
Examples of Word Displays and Word Walls
21
Examples of Word Displays and Word Walls
22
Examples of Word Displays and Word Walls
23

• The vocabulary research strongly points to the
  need for frequent encounters with new words if
  they are to become a permanent part of an
  individuals vocabulary repertoire.- Isabel Beck