If you’re looking for a simple way to help your student unlock the world of reading and writing, consider the humble word wall. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent homeschooling your child, or you’re simply looking to strengthen your own vocabulary, creating a word wall may be one of the most effective and simple ways to begin. Here are three steps to get you started:
1. Get a List of Words.
The first step in creating a word wall is to gather a list of words.These can be:
- Grade level words
- Seasonal words
- Grouped around specific events (sports, beach, zoo, school, et.)
- Challenge words specific to your student’s needs
Thankfully, there are plenty of resources available online that offer recommended word lists tailored to different grade levels and subject areas. These lists often include high-frequency words, sight words, and content-specific vocabulary. Additionally, you can customize the list based on your students’ individual needs and learning goals.
Of course, it’s important to curate your word lists based on your student’s interests and academic requirements. As you observe their reading and writing habits you will quickly gain insight on areas of improvement. Remember, this list will change a LOT over time, and the most important thing is to just get started!
2. Visualize the Words.
Once you have your list of words, the next step is to visualize them. Keep in mind, this is completely up to your personal style, budget, and materials you have on hand. You can write them out by hand on colorful index cards or type them up and print them out. You could paint them on a designated wall space or even use chalk for a temporary display.
Also, consider involving your students in this process which fosters ownership and engagement. Encourage them to write the words themselves, draw accompanying illustrations, or arrange the words in alphabetical order. This type of visual learning helps make something abstract into something more concrete. In fact, writing down the letters and drawing a picture of the word is a great way to develop mental pictures and build vocabulary.
Remember, this is your word wall. Consequently, it can be as creative or simple, professional or homey as you want, which brings me to the final step.
3. Display the Words
The final step is to display your word wall prominently. Choose a location where it will be easily visible and accessible to everyone who interacts with it. This can be a dedicated wall, bulletin board, or poster. Additionally, use whatever medium works best for you (think markers, crayons, paint, and chalk.) Moreover, it doesn’t even have to be on a wall. A folder or notebook that the writer can flip through will serve just as well! Primarily, the word wall just needs to be in a place that is easily viewed and accessible.
The beauty of a word wall lies in its versatility and adaptability to different learning environments and objectives. Also, it can be done economically using whatever you have on hand. Get some word wall inspiration from Mrs. Beattie’s Classroom!
Follow these three simple steps: create your list, visualize the words and display them prominently. As a result, you will create a dynamic learning tool that inspires curiosity, fosters language development, and cultivates a love for words in learners of all ages. Achievement unlocked!
Click on the picture to the right to check out this fun word wall activity I created for my students a few years ago. It has 9 pages of writing prompts with accompanying word walls for each prompt!
And check out this list of 251 Creative Writing Prompts for Kids from Journal Buddies!
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