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

One forgets words as one forgets names. One’s vocabulary needs constant fertilizing or it will die.

-Evelyn Waugh

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.

• 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

Guidelines

• 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

Where to Start

• 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

Details

• Bloom’s 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...

Where to Find Words

• 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 studentsVocabulary postersGraphic organizersUse environmental printWord continuumsFlorida Reading Initiative Essential Six Strategies

• Word Walls are accessible, not permanent fixtures

Interactive Word Walls

A Few Strategies and Activities

Concept of Definition Maps

Capsule Vocabulary

Sentence or Word Expansion

LEaRN Vocabulary Activities on VideoScattegories (A. Thomas)

Grab – A – Word (A. Thomas)Decoding Words (A. Thomas)

Vocabulary Posters (J. Greathouse)

Concept of Definition Maps

Synonym antonym

definition picture

What is it?

examples

What is it like?

Capsule Vocabulary

Vocabulary is learned when it can be used naturally in speaking, listening, and writing.

1.Select 8-10 words on a single topic or concept

2.Model using words in a discussion

3.Divide students into pairs

4.Pairs hold conversations

5.Write summary using words

Sentence or Word Expansion

A brainstorming activity which can be usedas a revision technique for elaborating with

more precise vocabulary in writing.

1. Write a simple sentence on the board.2. Brainstorm how to replace parts of the

sentence with more interesting words.3. Rewrite the “boring” sentence into a

creative sentence.

Examples of Word Displays and Word Walls

Examples of Word Displays and Word Walls

Examples of Word Displays and Word Walls

Examples of Word Displays and Word Walls

Examples of Word Displays and Word Walls

Examples of Word Displays and Word Walls

Examples of Word Displays and Word Walls

Examples of Word Displays and Word Walls

Examples of Word Displays and Word Walls

Examples of Word Displays and Word Walls

The vocabulary research strongly points to the need for frequent encounters with new words if they are to become a permanent

part of an individual’s vocabulary repertoire.- Isabel Beck