We have to do something called a word wall in our classes. I'm science, and don't really know what to put up. Do I just put up the vocabulary words? With or without definitions?
I'd appreciate any help anyone can give me.
When I used word walls, I put the words up without the definitions. Sometimes I would cluster them by parts of speech or put words together that related to each other. I put up words that went along with the content I was teaching. Hope this helps!
Word walls are great way to have students see the vocabulary daily. Studies show that yellow paper with black can be effective. I always make the cards with the vocabulary on the back. That way I can use them as flashcards for review. I use a small amount of wall putty to fasten to the wall so that it can be removed. I leave the words up for a nine weeks. Sometimes, I have the students arrange the words in groups, sorting the words into categories.
I would put up the current vocabulary of the current lessons set up. No idea what level you're teaching, but I'd do the words I want my students to know for exams. I'd also begin collecting some random words that you think would be a good learner for their level, irregardless of the lessons you teach. I used to know a history teacher that loved doing random words that he found refreshingly new to students. Especially ones that people tend to spell wrong, like calendar. It's a great way to be cross-curriculum.
Since you are a content area teacher- maybe you might categorize them by grade or unit and display them in different colors.
I do have a word wall or "concept" wall. I put mine in alphabetical order and the students use it all the time!! I included the definition on each sign and a picture. I have about 40 words on the wall and the best part is you can leave it up for ITBS if you have it up at the beginning of the year!! :)
I love word walls. I would use the vocabulary words and leave them up until the test. Then, I have vocabulary notebooks where they write the words and definitions. When we review the wall, I ask for definitions or examples to keep them in the front of their minds.
One good way to involve the students would be to have the students take turns to write on the wall. Each day one student can put up his/her words. Then you could create a monthly folksonomy or a tag cloud by combining all the words put up by everyone during the month.
The topic is quite curious, i must say