How To Use The Word Wall Effectively

 

So far this week, we've look at why one should use a word wall in math, how to create one and today we're going to learn to use one effectively to help increase student knowledge.  Unfortunately, it is extremely easy to go through the effort of putting up a word wall and then not do anything with it. When I first started using word walls in math, I only put up the word and it's definition but over time, I learned more about using the word walls properly.

Once you have everything associated with the concept or word posted, it is important to introduce the material in context since the definition of many terms is based on it's context.  Make sure to discuss any real world applications, diagrams, and equations. In addition, use the terms in a variety of situations so students see they apply to our lives.

One activity is to play "I'm thinking of a word wall word that means..........." for about 5 to 10 minutes a day.  The teacher says the phrase and has students write down the word on an iPad or paper and hold it up so the teacher can see their responses.  This is repeated again for two to three more words.  You can have students raise their hands so you can call on them but I prefer using white boards so more students can participate.

Another activity is to divide the students up into groups of two.  Each student chooses one word from the word wall and they have to decide how the two words go together. For instance, one student chooses equation while the other selects variable so the two go together because the variable represents the unknown quantity in the equation.  This activity encourages students to think about relationships and how these concepts and words go together.

To make sure you involve all students, try playing a game called link doodles.  In this game, the teacher decides which words are going to be used that day.  Students need a pencil or pen and a paper.  The teacher calls out a word and the students doodle something to represent the word for about 30 seconds before the teacher calls out the next word that they doodle something visual for about 30 seconds.  Repeat the process until the teacher has completed the words.  At the end, students will draw lines between the doodles, linking them together.

Take time to redo the word wall.  Take down all of the words and associated material, mix them up and have the students sort through the cards to hang them up again on the wall in the proper grouping.  This forces students to think about which items are grouped together as they are reassembling the wall.

In addition, have students create their own vocabulary cards using the Frayer model so they have the material close at hand and have had a chance to practice the vocabulary.  This also offers the opportunity to integrate some English activities by having students create a short story using some of the vocabulary, create sentences using the vocabulary, or create graphic organizers for each concept.

Another activity to help students review the material is to type up the words in one column, the definitions in another column and if there are formulas associated with the word, put them in a third column.  You can have students draw lines connecting the word with the definition and formula or you can have students cut all the words, definitions, and formulas out before gluing them in groups on a different page.

There are more activities but these are some suggestions to help students use the word walls more effectively and pay attention to them rather than treating them as just something on the board.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.