Wall+of+Words

Name of Strategy: Wall of Words

• We learn a lot of vocabulary in our classroom. I have separate sections of my wall of words—some that are portable—that display the vocabulary we are learning in Social Studies, Math, Science, Reading and Language Arts. These words are discussed in class. Once they are added to the Word Wall, students should use them in their writing and conversation. Having the vocabulary on the wall provides students with visual reminders of the words we have used, helps them with their spelling, and is a reminder to me of the words we have discussed.
 * Rationale:

• I use this strategy in all subjects. The words on my word wall come from every unit we do.
 * Courses in which it could be implemented:

• The Word Wall provides a visual reminder of what vocabulary words we have learned throughout the course of the year. It helps my struggling readers as they write because they have a place they can look to for spelling help. 1. At the beginning of a unit, choose 5-10 terms that students will encounter that they need to know in order to understand the content. 2. Introduce these terms, using concrete examples or photographs, to help students come up with a definition for the terms on their own. Discuss. 3. Tell students the definitions for the terms and compare to the definitions they came up with for each term. 4. Put the words on the wall. 5. Refer to words as you go through the lesson/unit. 6. Ask students to tell you what each term means periodically throughout the unit. 7. Remind students to try to use the terms in their writing and their conversations when appropriate.
 * Diverse learners:
 * Procedure:

• Students sometimes forget the words are on the wall and will ask me how to spell the words. I just point to the wall and they usually can find it.
 * Potential Issues:

Stephens, E. & Brown, J. (2005). A Handbook of Content Literacy Strategies: 125 Practical Reading and Writing Ideas. Norwood: Christopher- GordonPublishers, Inc.—p. 88-89
 * References

• Vocabulary List
 * Teacher Binder Resources