Working with Word Walls

Hey Friends!  I am super excited to welcome one of blog buddies, Jeannie, to share a great idea with you today! Don't be fooled by the title of her blog, what she's got to share will be 

perfect for older kids as well. Enjoy!

Hi ya'll!!  My name is Jeannie and I blog over at Kindergarten Lifestyle. I do currently teach kinder but I have taught 1st and 2nd as well. I am super THRILLED that Denise was gracious enough to allow me to guest blog for her! She has one of the most amazing blogs and I stalked her like crazy before I started my own blog! :0)

A tad bit about myself: I've taught for 8 years in grades Kinder, 1st, and 2nd. My heart is in primary for sure! Those little people brighten my life each and every day! I have a M.Ed in Reading and teaching reading and writing truly is my passion!

One of the most important tools I use everyday in class is our word wall. The word wall is the center of so much learning. I could talk for hours about the importance of "doing" the word wall versus "having" a word wall. Putting words on the wall will never get the kids attention let alone ingrain those words in their hearts and minds. As a teacher you know how important it is for the kids to practice reading and writing those words EVERYDAY. It takes a creative teacher to come up with enough varied activities to keep word wall fun and engaging, but it is critical!

I wanted to share just one really cool activity I do with my class. It is called "Trace & Paste". I am giving you this FREEBIE of some 2nd grade level words so you can take it for a test-drive....

Before I explain, I should let you know that I back all my word wall words with a bright color. In fact, I use FREE paint chip cards (the large ones at Walmart) to back the words. I can't stand using construction paper as it fades so quickly. And, as a teacher - I love FREE!! Here are what my word wall words look like: 

(Click HERE to read more about this)

With this activity I introduce the first word (sheet) as a whole group activity during word wall time. The kids begin by coloring the word wall word the color that matches the color it is backed with on the word wall. For example, my word "play" is backed with orange so the kids will color "play" orange.

Then they trace the word and write it independently.

The really fun part comes next. They cut out the letters at the bottom and glue them in the correct order above. The kids LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this activity. I place it in writing center, but it could easily go in an ABC center or other word study center. 

CLICK HERE to get your freebie!

 My kids sure love doing this and they are able to really see the parts of the whole word and how they come together! :0)

If you like what you see, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see you over at my blog: Kindergarten Lifestyle!

Thanks again, Denise!! You are a sweetheart!

jeannie from Kindergarten Lifestyle