What? Why? Word Walls How? When? Where?

Word Walls…. Why??? Spelling Vocabulary Development Support Writing Higher Order Thinking Skills Content Vocabulary (arranged thematically) Decoding Strategies Root Words, Prefixes, Suffixes Not for random words with no connection to text or content – This type of vocabulary instruction has been shown to have little to no value

Word Walls…When? As an integrated part of a Balanced Literacy Program This includes Content Instruction Primarily during the Working With Words Block, but.. Shared/Guided/Modeled Reading Make Connections Reference during lessons Writing Block No excuse words (spelling) Vocabulary for writing

Self-Selected Reading Four Blocks Make connections and reference Word Wall Repeated exposure to vocabulary that has been taught Guided Reading 30-40 min. Self-Selected Reading 30 min. Writing 40 min. Working With Words 20-30 min. Word Wall Doing the Word Wall On-The-Back Activity Word Patterns Making Words Guess the Covered Word Fairview:Dolch & Bridging Reference Word Wall for spelling and vocabulary

Word Walls….What??? High Frequency Thematic Big Words All students reading under a 3rd grade level Thematic Content (ELA, Science, SS, Math, Health, Art…) Sentence Word Walls Semantic Clusters Big Words Root Words, Prefixes, Suffixes Portable Word Walls Visual/Perceptual Impairment Home Use Labeling the Classroom

Word Walls….Where???? Large Wall for High Frequency (w/alphabet) Small Areas for Thematic Cabinet Doors Table Top Hanging From the Ceiling Window Small Wall Side of Shelf Bulletin Board

Word Wall…. How Many? ELA Content At least one High Frequency if students are reading under a 3rd grade level or At least one Big Words Word Wall (words with roots & affixes) for student reading above 3rd grade level At least one Thematic Word Wall for current content Content At least one Thematic Word Wall for current unit May maintain other Thematic Word Walls for reference

Word Walls…. How???? Post words after they have been taught Five to 10 per week Fantastic Five, Popcorn Words…. Words taken from to Guided/Shared Reading Encourage use of words in writing Expect students to spell words correctly Make it neat, interesting, & age appropriate Chant/cheer the words

Word Walls… How??? “Do” the Word Wall Be a Mind Reader Guess the Covered Word Fairview On-the-Back Activities (See Four Blocks manuals for more details and other activities to promote retention.)

High Frequency Word Wall 1st Grade Classroom Sight Words “We Know” Accumulated Throughout the Year High Frequency Word Wall 1st Grade Classroom

Thematic Word Wall Special Needs Classroom Science – Words for the Week Thematic Word Wall Special Needs Classroom

Thematic Word Wall ELA Classroom Middle School Synonyms

Thematic Word Wall Middle School Classroom Words With Semantic Connections

Thematic Word Wall Elementary Classroom

Thematic Word Wall Elementary Classroom

Thematic Word Wall Elementary Classroom Social Studies Unit

High Frequency Word Wall Elementary Classroom Words are outlined to guide students in using graphophonic cues.

High Frequency Word Wall Prekindergarten Classroom -With Visual Phonics Key Words

Thematic Word Wall Elementary Classroom Social Studies Unit

Thematic Word/Picture Wall in Preschool Classroom Pictures and symbols in semantic categories paired with printed English

Thematic Word Wall in High School Classroom What Is the Tone of My Writing? Thematic Word Wall in High School Classroom

Thematic Word Wall Kindergarten Classroom

Picture Symbol Word Wall Elementary Special Needs Classroom

Thematic Word Wall Preschool Classroom “Characters in the Books We Have Read”

Thematic Word Walls Prekindergarten Classroom

Resources: Four Blocks Videos Four Blocks Books Best Practices Timothy Rasinski resources Differentiated Instruction Materials Fairview Learning International Reading Association The Reading Teacher