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Word walls have been around for a long time in education. Word walls support readers and writers by showcasing high frequency words that are tricky to read and spell. But word walls can also be used for learning vocabulary, like math and science terminology. Displaying words to be learned on a word wall is ideal for visual learners.
Word walls are easy to make and use in your homeschool. Here are two inexpensive ways to set up a word wall in your home.
Two Easy Ways to Make a Word Wall
Bulletin Board Word Wall
We started a bulletin board word wall in our living room for my kindergartener this fall. He’s learning basic sight words and word families. We don’t have too many words on it yet. Give it a few more months, and you’ll notice a difference.
Materials:
- Cork board or bulletin board
- Fabric (optional)
- Letter cards
- Stapler
- Thumbtacks (optional)
- Word cards
Directions:
If you like the cork showing, you can go ahead and staple your letter cards in alphabetical order on your bulletin board. If you prefer a more finished look, you can cover the cork board with a piece of fabric, and staple into place.
Hint: Lay out all the letter cards first so you can eye ball the spacing needed between the letters before stapling. Attach words with thumbtacks or staples.
Refrigerator Word Wall
Refrigerator word walls are very practical for homeschooling in small spaces, or if you don’t want to sacrifice wall space. It’s also portable.
When my daughter wanted to spell a word, she’d take down the word, copy it into her story, and return the word to the refrigerator.
Materials:
- Magnetic tape (affiliate link)
- Scissors
- Alphabet letter cards
- Word cards
Directions:
Cut small squares of magnetic tape and attach to the back of each letter card. Arrange letter cards on the side of your refrigerator. Use additional squares of magnetic tape to hang word cards under the letters.
How to Prepare Word Cards
I like to cut strips of assorted colored construction paper ahead of time, so that making word cards is quick. I store the paper strips in a narrow plastic basket with a pair of scissors and a black sharpie. Anytime I need to add a word to the wall, I have all my materials handy.
If using a refrigerator word wall, keep your magnetic tape in the basket as well.
Types of Word Walls
Word walls can be used for whatever purpose you choose. Here are some ideas to consider:
- High frequency words/Sight words (affiliate link)
- Vocabulary words (i.e. Marie’s words affiliate link)
- Science terminology
- Math terminology
- Homophones
- Unit study words
How to Use Word Walls
When you introduce a new word to your child, add it to your word wall. Once your child masters the word, take it down.
Use your word wall to review words frequently. Make up riddles and have your child guess the word. There are many games you can play, but that’s for a later post.
The key to a successful word wall is to use it frequently. You don’t want it to become just another piece of wall art.
Conclusion
The visual nature of word walls makes learning words easier. You can showcase different types of words depending on your child’s needs. Two easy ways to make a word wall is with a bulletin board or your refrigerator.
Your Turn
Do you have a word wall? How did you design it? What kinds of words do you showcase?
