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Reading PK-3 > Strategies > Word Walls

Word Walls

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Overview

A word wall helps build Vocabulary for reading fluidity. Doing activities with the wall, such as gesturing, encourages participation, helping students remember the words even better.

Use It in the Classroom

Watch how a teacher uses a word wall in a game format to promote recall of Vocabulary through Sight Recognition.

  • Learners can refer to word walls in their classrooms or personal word walls on their desks as visual support during class activities. Using external memory aids like this helps students increase their ability to recognize sight words. Research shows that the more words a student knows as a kindergartener, the stronger their reading comprehension is throughout elementary school.

    • Design It into Your Product

    Videos are chosen as examples of strategies in action. These choices are not endorsements of the products or evidence of use of research to develop the feature.

    By using Padlet, students and teachers can co-create word walls, helping to move words from Short- to Long-term Memory. Watch this video to see how collaborative digital word walls can support learning.

  • A digital word wall can adapt , and previous word walls can be referred to with ease. Providing this type of word wall can bring Working and Long-term Memory into action.
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    Resources

    Below are additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
    Examples

    Content Strategies and Pitfalls

    Six tips on how to get started with a word wall

    Examples

    Personal Word Wall

    Free template to create individual word walls

    Examples

    Word Wall Strategies

    Overview of word wall strategies that is also separated by content

    Research

    Cognition & Memory

    Topic that includes cognitive science theories about how the brain processes information on Digital Promise's Research Map

    Research

    Working Memory

    Subtopic that describes the function of the brain's working memory on Digital Promise's Research Map

    Factors Supported by this Strategy

    Language and Literacy
    Alphabet Knowledge
    Background Knowledge
    Sight Recognition
    Vocabulary
    Cognition
    Long-term Memory
    Short-term Memory
    Working Memory
    Social and Emotional Learning
    Student Background
    Adverse Experiences
    Home Literacy Environment
    Physical Fitness
    Primary Language
    Safety
    Sleep
    Socioeconomic Status

    More External Memory Aids Strategies

    High Frequency Word List

    Easy access to high frequency words promotes sight word recognition as students see the words repeatedly.

    Language Songs

    Rhyming, alliteration, and other sound devices reinforce language development by activating the mental processes that promote memory.

    Mnemonic Device

    Creating patterns for remembering classroom processes, narrative structures, etc.

    Prompt Cards

    Cards with strategies for managing emotions help students remember how to act when faced with strong feelings.

    Story Map

    Providing a story map ahead of time or having students create a map during or after reading helps learners understand and practice narrative skills.

    Timers

    Timers help students learn to self-pace and transition.

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