This word wall will help students identify words that have multiple meanings, and this is especially helpful for struggling readers because this is often something they may struggle with.
The words minus and decrease are under the word subtract because those three words can be used interchangeably. In the image above the teacher wrote common math terms and then words that mean the same thing under those common math terms. Math- Just like in one of the images above, a word wall can also be used for math. Knowing that vocabulary development is essential for all students using a word wall one in more than just literacy is very beneficial to their learning. This will help students because they have repeated exposure to not only the word but to the definition. Under each vocabulary word, it gives a definition. This word wall is not separated alphabetically instead it is separated by classification, such as technology and people. Social Studies- This is an image of a word wall used for social studies. Word walls also help students learn alphabetical order, and it reminds students of important words for their particular grade (Jennings et al). Instead of asking a teacher or struggling themselves, they simply find the word on the wall" (p.219). Jennings, Caldwell & Lerner (2014) mention, "an important use of word walls is that they serve as resources for students who have difficulty spelling words. Teachers should avoid using multiple word walls because it can be confusing and difficult to find words. Many teachers make the words removable so the student can take a word and bring it back to their desk if they need to. Students should be encouraged to use the words on the walls daily in conversations and in writing, and one way to do this is through journalism. (2014) mentions that with successful word walls, ".students are encouraged to use them in their writing and discussions" (p.81). In order for a word wall to be effective the teacher needs to revisit the words frequently. Vocabulary development is so essential learners, so a word wall can also help students learn various vocabulary words. They provide reference support for children during reading and writing activities".They help students see patterns and relationship in words, thus building phonics and spelling skills."They provide a permanent model for high frequency words.Reading Rockets gave a list of reasons why teachers should use word walls and they are as followed: The words that go on a word wall can vary from teacher to teacher, however most teachers put sight words or content area words for a particular unit or theme (Echevarria, Vogt & Short, 2014). For example, the words friend, family and finish would all be under the letter F. Typically word walls take up a large space in the classroom, and the words are listed alphabetically by letter. Reading Rockets (n.d.) states that, "a word wall is a collection of words which are displayed in large visible letters on a wall, bulletin board, or other display surface in a classroom".