The acquistion of vocabulary is a key component of academic development. Students need a rich body of word knowledge in order to achieve literacy success. Students must also learn specialized vocabulary in subject-specific content areas. Word walls are integral components of a print rich classroom environment. They are effective instructional tools which are designed to promote both individual and group learning.
Teachers use interactive word walls to:
- help children achieve literacy success;
- reinforce the correct use of vocabulary;
- provide reference support;
- used to support student use of subject-specific and unit-specific vocabulary;
- foster the joy of reading and writing;
- support the direct teaching of semantics and word meaning;
- support the direct teaching of important concepts;
- foster the joy of reading and writing;
- promote independence in reading and writing;
- provide a visual map to help children make connections;
- develop a core group of words.
Word walls are more than just a display; they are tools to assist students with their learning.
Tips to Use in the Creation of Interactive Word Walls
- identify, print and post words that are deemed significant to the topic being studied and/or that represent essential key words (for example: explain, justify);
- add vocabulary terms over time;
- reorganize words by strand, concept or some other attribute that highlights connections between words;
- add pictures and symbols that can help English language learners and other readers who need additional support;
- display at the students’ eye level whenever possible;
- printed large enough to be read from anywhere in the classroom;
- reflect themes being studied from the classroom.
In some circumstances, personal word walls and/or individual word lists are also used in addition to the posted word wall.
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