Interactive Word Walls Erika Coleman & Ann Glenn

Compiled by Erika Coleman and Ann Glenn Organized collection of words or word parts A tool to use, not just a display Used to support vocabulary development, spelling, and more Displayed for all to see Enhances learning Provides a visual to help children retain vocabulary Allows students to encounter words multiple times Provides non-evaluative opportunities for students to practice the words without until they achieve automaticity with words.

Teacher Responsibilities Add words as they are encountered in learning. Refer to the words often. Provide opportunities for students to interact with the words (multiple exposures in meaningful context). Remove words as they become part of students’ knowledge bank.

There are 4 levels of word knowledge There are 4 levels of word knowledge Students reach full word knowledge only after they have used the words in meaningful context at least 15 times. Words, Words, Words --Janet Allen Students reach full word knowledge only after they have used the words in meaningful context at least 15 times. Words, Words, Words --Janet Allen Levels of Word Knowledge 4 FULL WORD KNOWLEDGE 3 PARTIAL WORD KNOWLEDGE 2 INITIAL RECOGNITION 1 UNKNOWN WORD How to Teach Reading When You are not a Reading Teacher --Dr. Sharon H. Faber Did you know…

Four Types of Word Walls Thematic Word Wall All words are related to a specific theme or unit of study Alphabetic Word Wall Words from various topics are arranged alphabetically Review Word Wall Includes words that were removed from a thematic word wall but require further review Personal/Portable Word Wall Instead of displaying the words on the classroom wall, students add words to their personal word wall template in a folder or notebook

A Thematic Word Wall A Thematic Word Wall Be selective when choosing words to add to your word wall.

Thematic Word Walls

A Thematic Word Wall Display words on a bulletin board. Display words on a bulletin board. Add definitions and pictures. Add definitions and pictures.

Use the Door Placing the words on your door will remind you to review before your students leave the classroom. Placing the words on your door will remind you to review before your students leave the classroom.

Alphabetic Word Wall Alphabetizing the words on your word wall will keep them organized. Alphabetizing the words on your word wall will keep them organized. If space is an issue, use a display board with word pockets. If space is an issue, use a display board with word pockets.

Review Word Walls If space is an issue, use magnets to add the words to your ceiling! When students have control of the words, this teacher adds them to a caterpillar for constant review.

Give your students another opportunity to review the words by placing them on a wall in the hallway. Give your students another opportunity to review the words by placing them on a wall in the hallway.

Be creative! A visually attractive word wall will catch your students’ attention.

Student-Developed Word Wall Students take ownership of their learning environment when they are allowed to help you create word walls.

Student-Developed Word Wall

Creating an Interactive Word Wall Use an area in the classroom that is visible to all students: Use an area in the classroom that is visible to all students: Bulletin Board Cabinet Door Classroom Door Project Board White Board Ceiling (check with your principal) Make the words easily accessible: Make the words easily accessible: Masking Tape Magnets Sticky Tack Tacks Push Pins Velcro strips Rubber Cement Use any of the following: Index Cards Large Post-It Notes Sentence Strips Construction Paper Card Stock Window Markers

Add words gradually, only when you encounter the words in your teaching Be selective when adding the words. What is essential to your learning objectives? Remove the words from the word wall when your students have “control” over the words

Color-code the words, either using colored markers for lettering or colored paper. Color-code the words, either using colored markers for lettering or colored paper. Consider using a different color for parts of speech, frequently misspelled words, subjects, topics discussed during different class periods, etc. Consider using a different color for parts of speech, frequently misspelled words, subjects, topics discussed during different class periods, etc. Laminate the words on your word wall. Laminate the words on your word wall. Use a word processing program instead of writing the words on cards or post-it notes. Use a word processing program instead of writing the words on cards or post-it notes. The variations above are optional. Hand-witten word walls are very successful!

DEVICES IN POETRY AND PROSE WORD WALL AAlliterationAssonanceBCConsonanceDDialogueE F First Person Point of ViewGHHyperboleIImageryJ KLMMetaphorMoodNOOnomatopoeia PPersonificationPoetryProseQRRepetitionRhyme Rhyme Scheme SSimileStanzaSymbolTTheme Third Person Point of View UVWX-YZ