Word Wall

This year I've tried to improve my vocabulary instruction, especially in the content areas.  I was fortunate to be able to attend a Marzano conference on vocabulary instruction last year, and I've been excited to implement some of the strategies I've learned this year.  One of the ideas was to select approximately 30 vocabulary words from each subject area.  Then, after you select the words explicitly teach 3-5 vocabulary words each week through direct instruction.  The speakers emphasize that students do not benefit at all from copying definitions.  We all could copy definitions and still have no idea what the word means.  We learned that after we explained what word means, students should be able to put the definition into their own words, as well as give a visual representation.  The speakers highly encouraged teachers to utilize a vocabulary notebook in their classrooms.  I also thought it was interesting that they encouraged teachers to have their students regularly look at the prior entries in their vocabulary folders and revise their responses.  I worked all summer on developing word lists for social studies and science and then created word wall cards to display around my room to give my students a visual reminder of the vocabulary words.  I also created an academic vocabulary journal for each students.  All year long, I have used the strategies, and I can say that I have seen an improvement in my students' vocabulary.

Here is the government section of my word wall.  The cards are a little larger than typical word wall cards, but I wanted there to be a focus on the meaning of the word.  I also thought that a visual representation would be very useful for students.  I can definitely say that my students refer to these cards all of the time.

Please excuse the HORRIBLE color of my walls.  It is not by choice that they are faded mauve.

 As you can see the wall is a work in progress.  I add the words as I teach them.

Here is a picture of the form I use for my vocabulary notebook.

Vocabulary Notebook Form

Link to Social Studies Word Wall Cards on TpT

Link to Science Word Wall Cards on TpT