Portable Word Wall

Portable word walls are an easier way for students to organize their vocabulary words as an alternative to bullet point note-taking or classroom word walls. This way, students are able to study their words even outside the classroom, and the words are organized in a simple, easy-to-read way.

To create a portable word wall, students will receive large blank notecards and a long sheet of paper, pre-folded in three.  Students will then be instructed to write the vocab on one side, and the definition on the other, leaving a space blank where they can write in an example.  This step will be done while the vocab is being taught at the board or through a PowerPoint.  Then, students will be asked to partner up and come up with examples for each word to put on their notecards.  Students will then be given some tape to place them on their long sheet of folded paper on one end, so they can flip the card up to see the definition and example.  Students will be told to leave lots of room for future notecards.

Metaphor

Making a comparison not using “like” or “as”   Life is a highway.

Alternatively, students who have difficulty writing or reading may use Quizlet to create their notecards. Quizlet offers the same kind of accessibility as a physical word wall as long as the student has access to internet and an electronic device.

Reinforcement:

            At the beginning of class period, students will be asked to refer to their word walls then come up with a new example for two of the devices that will be listed on the whiteboard.  Eventually, the bell-ringer activity will commence without the use of the word walls.

For High-Level Learners

Allow high-level learners to learn more complicated words or concepts in addition to the standard set of words.

For Struggling Readers

Struggling readers may need their words to be further expounded on. For example, students could add example sentences as a part of their word wall or some extra synonyms or helpful hints to assist with memorizing and recall. Students may also include sentences or phrases of their own creation to help them with application.

For ESL Students

ESL/ELL students may have difficulty understanding more complex words and concepts. It may be helpful to include example sentences of their own creation as well as the word in their first language to help them with not just memorization, but also application.

Resource links

Bulletin Board-Sized Word Walls, from Reading Rockets (link to pdf)

A Word a day (AWAD)

A good way to get students engaged in interesting and unfamiliar vocabulary would be to have A Word A Day (Hinchman & Sheridan-Thomas, 2014) on the classroom whiteboard. The word could be in direct relation to the daily lesson or it could just be something interesting. Students could use the AWAD in a sentence as a bell ringer activity, or if the word is used in the lesson, students will be able to come into class and know the direction of the lesson and get a deeper understanding of the word or concept (Hinchman & Sheridan-Thomas, 2014). The AWAD could be depicted like a normal dictionary definition. Alternatively, the AWAD could be depicted in a concept map, or “think map,” as shown below:

resource links

Wordsmith AWAD, appropriate for middle and high school (link to webpage)