So here is what I did for my word wall this year... I divided one of my whiteboards into 24 sections using black string and tape. I print my word cards in black ink on white card stock, laminate, and add magnetic tape. At the beginning of the year I put up everyone's name and as the year goes on we add new sight words each week.
This idea was given to me by our very talented Literacy Support teacher. I started the year off with all the letters in black and white. Then as we went over each letter (correct formation and sound) I changed the card to blue letters with a matching sound picture. If you would like a copy of the letter cards, you can download them {here}.
The pictures on each card also match my Quick Stick Alphabet on top of my whiteboards.
I also wanted my students to have a quick place to reference the letters, so I made up my own desk nameplates that had the alphabet with the matching sound pictures and also a number line from 0-20. There is also a spot to write the student's name. I created a colour version and a black & white version. If you are interested in a copy of either, click the pictures to download.
As for the words I add to our word wall, I use the High Frequency words from our guided reading texts. These are words that the students are required to read and write correctly at all times. We add a few each week. This year I didn't do anything too special with the new words. We would read them, spell them together, and sometimes mix up magnetic letters. I think next year I would like to do a bit more practice with the new sight words each week.
Beside my main word wall, I have a mini pocket chart that I use as a theme word wall. I created cards for each month/holiday to use as writing prompts for the students in their journals. My students can come up, choose a card, and take it back to their desk. Then they can use the cards as ideas for writing and also to help them spell new words. Then they return the card back to the pocket chart when they are finished with it.
Well, that is how I have been using my word wall! Go check out some of the other great blogs linked up with Jen! Good night, everybody!