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Sarah Plum

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You are here: Home / Other / What day is it? (Mondayyyyyyyy!)

What day is it? (Mondayyyyyyyy!)

July 30, 2012 by Sarah Plum(itallo) 48 Comments

Another Monday! On the upside, I get to spend a good chunk of my Internet time today looking at all of the amazing things bloggy friends have come up with. On the downside, this means I’m running out of time. Eeeeeeek! I know some of you are heading back into the classroom much sooner than I am, so I don’t feel too bad, but I’m starting to get a bit nervous. I even had my first school-related nightmare! (I showed up at the wrong school and wrong classroom on the first day and it. was. a. trainwreck!)
So: word walls. Let’s talk about them.
In some of my practicum experiences, they were just kind of there. They weren’t talked about or used, they just kind of took up space. In some of my practicum experiences, they weren’t there at all. There wasn’t really an alternative, either, so it was a constant struggle of students not being able to have the independence they craved during writing.
There were some awesome word walls I saw, however, and the ones that were awesome were used. Frequently. They weren’t just an “if you don’t know it” reference, either, they were a centerpiece of learning and kind of the pulse of the room. So that’s what I had in my head when I started on this project: something that is, above all, going to be supportive for my kiddos (especially my ELL’s), and something that made sense with what my goals are this year (see the trusty sidebar).
I need a dynamic word wall.
First, I made these:
*sigh* These colors make me happy.
These are my headers for my word wall, which is going to be placed above the windows, here:
I still can’t believe I have a classroom.
While that’s a readily accessible place from anywhere in the room and has plenty of space for lots of words, it doesn’t quite hit the mark for what I want to do alone. Enter this:
You knew it was going to be Oz-related, right?
The idea is this: my students need to experience independent success in their writing, and I want to remove as many obstacles to that as possible. At the same time, I want to support my ELL’s that may need some visual cues, while also encouraging my wordsmiths to expand their vocabulary. This is where my mobile word wall fits in!
Clear plastic pencil pouch, blank color-coded cards, A-Z dividers, and trading card protectors.
Smaller versions of the word wall headers are on each divider to create a visual link.
Students can have the independence they need and can contribute at their own pace, on their own time using this resource. They can encounter a word that they think should be added — perhaps a content area word or fabulous vocabulary word — and select the correct colored card, write the word, and then add a visual or other thought to make a more concrete connection.
Front of the cards; note the color-coding for content areas.

Back of the cards, with a visual or example.
This can be expanded to include a definition, a sentence, etc.

The color-coded cards open up a lot of possibilities; they can be used to denote spelling patterns, level of difficulty, or as I’ve used them — for content areas. I’ll be taking the lead from my content-area binders and using purple for science, green for math, blue for social studies, and then using red, orange, yellow, and black for the various parts of speech.
These are the blank mobile word wall cards for student use.
There are matching larger cards for the full-sized word wall.

I got through all of the words on my district’s list for second grade, and am now working on expanding it to include words that I know will come up during the year for the various units. The full-size words are more of an undertaking since I’m laminating them for durability.
The mobile word wall will not start out the year with us, but will slowly be introduced as we begin to use our word wall and I model a lot about how to use it to my students’ advantage. This will work well with my implementation of Daily 5 and CAFE, as I can see this hanging out in our word work or writing center!
Whew! That was a lot of post. If you’ve made it this far, thank you! I’ve packaged all of my materials and listed this Dynamic Word Wall pack (including editable PPTs for you to customize with your word lists) on my TPT store. Here’s what is included:
I would love to give this word wall set away to three people! Leave me a comment with your e-mail, and I’ll choose three random winners on Wednesday night!
(Speaking of winners, a big congrats to The Meek Moose for winning the Discovery poster — I look forward to seeing it in action in your school!)

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Filed Under: Other Tagged With: Classroom Decor, Giveaway Like It's 1999, Monday Made It, Plan-Plan-Plan, Teachers Pay Teachers, Word Wall, Writing

Comments

  1. Rie says

    July 30, 2012 at 5:28 am

    Very cute and would love to be a winner! The mobile word wall cards are a neat idea.

    Rie
    hiphophurrayreading@gmail.com

    Reply
  2. Coconut Cutie says

    July 30, 2012 at 5:45 am

    Love this! You are so talented.

    Coconut cutie

    Reply
    • Coconut Cutie says

      July 30, 2012 at 5:48 am

      Coconutcutiesclassroom.blogspot.com

      Coconutcutiesclassroom@gmail.com

      Reply
  3. Chanty says

    July 30, 2012 at 6:15 am

    Sarah,

    I'm so loving this! I can't wait to get it in my email… I just got ANOTHER ink cartridge today and I think that I will be needing another one! Ha! You have saved me an elephant-TON of time because I was planning on making labels for my paper-plate word wall as well. This product came out amazing!!! And don't get too nervous, I'm sure you'll do fabulous! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  4. Brandi says

    July 30, 2012 at 12:48 pm

    Love the word wall idea, especiall that binder! Hoping I win!

    Brandi
    Success in Second Grade
    successinsecondgrade@gmail.com

    Reply
  5. teachermom says

    July 30, 2012 at 12:55 pm

    Awesome word wall. Great organization of words too!

    Carol
    carolpeterbirch@gmail.com

    Reply
  6. Nicole says

    July 30, 2012 at 1:02 pm

    Oh I LOVE this!! Super cute and awesome resource!!
    Nicole
    Rowdy in Room 300
    rowdyinroom300@yahoo.com

    Reply
  7. Tamera says

    July 30, 2012 at 1:19 pm

    Love the colors, also!
    Stop by soon.
    I am having a Linky about your All Time Favorite Teacher.

    ๐Ÿ™‚
    Tamera
    http://myheartbelongsinfirst.blogspot.com
    Kaizactan2001@yahoo.com

    Reply
  8. Tarez says

    July 30, 2012 at 1:38 pm

    Really cute. I was thinking about doing a portable word wall where each letter hung on a ring and then hung on a push pin. However, this would take up a lot less space. GREAT IDEA! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  9. Storie says

    July 30, 2012 at 1:54 pm

    I love the bright colors of your word wall!
    Storie
    atozscrapbook@gmail.com
    Stories by Storie

    Reply
  10. Cheryl says

    July 30, 2012 at 2:22 pm

    Neat colors! I love rainbows!! Thanks for sharing. I'm also your newest follower…I'll be teaching Second grade reading and math this year so I'm sure I'll be hopping over here a lot.

    Cheryl
    Spottedaroundtheschool.blogspot.com

    Reply
  11. Allie says

    July 30, 2012 at 2:48 pm

    I love your dynamic word wall- especially with the pictures on the backs of the words in the binder- definitely a must for Ells! I'd love your set!

    Allie
    The Gypsy Teacher

    Reply
  12. Kara says

    July 30, 2012 at 2:52 pm

    Great idea for the mobile word wall! I love the set; it's on my wishlist now. I'd love to be a winner, of course ๐Ÿ™‚

    Kara
    Spedventures
    spedventures@gmail.com

    Reply
  13. Kiah says

    July 30, 2012 at 3:01 pm

    What a great idea! I love that you can flip them over for a visual reference, good thinking!!!

    Kiah
    kiah.m.berg@gmail.com

    Reply
  14. Tori says

    July 30, 2012 at 3:25 pm

    Love the plate idea!!! Love your set! ๐Ÿ™‚
    Tori
    treb21@comcast.net

    Reply
  15. Lisa Blair says

    July 30, 2012 at 3:29 pm

    Love the card holders in the binder. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity for you fabulous word wall.

    Reply
  16. Amber Leigh says

    July 30, 2012 at 4:10 pm

    Your classroom is going to look fabulous with those colors! I love how bright and cheery they are!

    I'd love if you checked out my blog at T is for Teaching ๐Ÿ™‚
    Amber

    Reply
  17. Amanda says

    July 30, 2012 at 5:13 pm

    Aw well those all turned out adorable. Congrats on your room! It's always exciting going in to see it and think "Wow, I'm doing this!!" ๐Ÿ™‚ Really love your ideas for word wall. It is so important to make it interactive and I loved your thoughts ๐Ÿ™‚

    Amanda
    redseventeen@gmail.com
    Reaching for the TOP!

    Reply
  18. Anne Tussing says

    July 30, 2012 at 6:35 pm

    I LOVE your mobile word wall! What a fantastic idea:)

    Reply
  19. Lisa Cain says

    July 30, 2012 at 7:41 pm

    Cute, you are very creative!

    Lisa.cain.sped.teacher@gmail.com

    Reply
  20. Mrs. D says

    July 30, 2012 at 8:48 pm

    So cute! Love the colors! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  21. Jess says

    July 30, 2012 at 8:49 pm

    Love this and all of your wonderful creations!!!

    Jess
    jhazel@uab.edu
    From Blood to Books!

    Reply
  22. Dee Bibb says

    July 30, 2012 at 9:50 pm

    Love your wonderful Word Wall pack among other items that I found in your TPT store!

    Dee
    dbibb5134@gmail.com

    Mrs. B's Nook

    Reply
  23. Laura Wagner Jordan says

    July 30, 2012 at 10:40 pm

    Awesome! I love it! Wow your room looks crazy big!

    TIPS: Teach, Inspire, and Prepare Students

    Reply
  24. Kelly says

    July 30, 2012 at 11:23 pm

    I love your word wall letters! I am sure your new students will love your a,axing theme! ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Reply
  25. Second Grade Chatter says

    July 31, 2012 at 1:24 am

    Love the visuals on the back. Super idea!! I'm new to the blogging world. Come on over to secondgradechatter.blogspot.com and check it out.

    Reply
  26. Amy says

    July 31, 2012 at 1:25 am

    I love this word wall!!!
    Amy
    amyjperry@gmail.com

    Reply
  27. Miss R says

    July 31, 2012 at 2:23 am

    You have a lot of room! I'm jealous!! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Leslie
    Miss R's Room

    Reply
  28. Anonymous says

    July 31, 2012 at 2:41 am

    This is my second year teaching but my first year in 2nd grade and I am super excited!!!!! I had an upper grade last year and no word wall.. this year I need one and this one is perfect ๐Ÿ™‚
    Karen
    tommysmom0206@yahoo.com

    Reply
  29. Shar W says

    July 31, 2012 at 4:00 am

    How cute! I love the way you are going to help give the students ownership as far as words they feel are important.
    I would love to be included in your random drawing! Thanks for the chance to win!
    Shar W
    jandcangelscents@sbcglobal.net

    Reply
  30. Mrs. Locke says

    July 31, 2012 at 4:08 am

    I love the organization of this idea…not to mention the cute colors! Nicely done ๐Ÿ™‚

    Locke_Jaime@asdk12.org

    Reply
  31. Anonymous says

    July 31, 2012 at 4:27 am

    Love the rainbow colors ~ bright and cheerful!
    Michele

    Reply
  32. *Eden* says

    July 31, 2012 at 4:39 am

    How do you make your printables? I feel so clueless and out of the loop in educational technology!

    Eden
    teachinginflats.blogspot.com

    Reply
    • Mrs. Plum says

      August 5, 2012 at 5:23 am

      I make them using Microsoft Publisher, though I know many bloggers utilize PowerPoint. I just find that Publisher is much truer to print and easier for me to work with in terms of layout, uniformity, etc. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  33. Anonymous says

    July 31, 2012 at 4:43 am

    This is a fantastic word wall. It amazes me how many teachers do not use a word wall and how many teacher stores no longer sell them premade. Thank you, I would live to win this for my classroom! I am returning to the classroom after staying home with my son for a few years. Thanks- Sarah srieger@srvusd.net

    Reply
  34. MrsLewis says

    July 31, 2012 at 4:11 pm

    Very cute! Love the colors! I am a new follower! (lewish@fgsmail.org)

    COme on over and check out my blog! I am hosting a giveaway!

    Keeping It Core

    Reply
  35. Mrs. Todd says

    August 1, 2012 at 1:10 am

    Cute! I'd love to be in the running to win!

    Thanks! Allison

    allisontodd08@yahoo.com

    Reply
  36. Beverley Baird says

    August 1, 2012 at 2:37 am

    What a great idea! lovw the portable aspect of your wall.

    Reply
  37. Nicki says

    August 1, 2012 at 3:01 am

    I absolutely love this idea! I am teaching a 6-7-8 middle school self-contained class next year for the first time. The kids are working on basic sight words still, so while I want a word wall for reference, I do not want the room to look too elementary either. I also am trying to avoid too many stimulating visuals on the walls and I know Ill want to add to the list as the year goes on. This is the solution to my problem! I would love to be a winner!

    I'm your newest follower! Check out my blog: http://motivatingmindsstocking.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  38. Jenny Zuniga @ Teacher and a Mom says

    August 1, 2012 at 4:29 am

    Love the rainbow word wall! I nominated you for an award, stop by and check it out ๐Ÿ™‚

    Jenny
    teacherandamom.blogspot.com

    Reply
  39. Busy Bees says

    August 1, 2012 at 10:45 am

    Love your rainbow word wall. You look very organized with your stuff. Just found your darling blog!
    Robynn
    BusyBees

    Reply
  40. Anonymous says

    August 1, 2012 at 1:35 pm

    I absolutely love this idea! I am with you as well, I have seen many many word walls not used, they are just "there". I love the colors, it makes them stand out more ๐Ÿ™‚ I soon to be in my first year teaching and am nervous but know that I can get through it. It is a fantastic idea and help.
    Thanks, TaushaCastillo
    Tausha.davis@waland.wbu.edu

    Reply
    • Anonymous says

      August 4, 2012 at 3:18 am

      I meant Tausha.davis@wayland.wbu.edu

      Reply
  41. Calzati28 says

    August 1, 2012 at 10:57 pm

    So awesome! I have been thinking about word walls as well since I will be teaching 2nd grade for the first time and I know how important they are~

    Thanks
    Cristy

    coalzati28@gmail.com

    Reply
  42. Mrs. P says

    August 3, 2012 at 2:58 am

    Oh wow!!! I love your mobile word wall!! My word wall for my second graders is like yours and is high up on the wall and easily readable, but not accessible for my students.. I have been to trying to decide on how to incorporate the word wall into everyday instruction. Are you using a high frequency or sight word list on your word wall? My school didn't give us a list of words, so I am stuck trying to decide what to do. My students are all either on or above grade level and will most likely know many of the HF words already or learn them very quickly. Do you have any suggestions about what others words I could use for my WW? Thanks so much!

    Ashley
    That's So Second Grade

    Reply
    • Mrs. Plum says

      August 5, 2012 at 5:22 am

      I would look at the words that are a grade level or two above in as many word lists as you can find, and I would also add the vocabulary words from the content areas as you go along. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  43. Anonymous says

    September 10, 2014 at 1:07 am

    I am a new teacher desperate for great material like this to post in my classroom and serve better my students. Thank you. God Bless you.

    Reply
  44. Anonymous says

    September 10, 2014 at 1:07 am

    I am a new teacher desperate for great material like this to post in my classroom and serve better my students. Thank you. God Bless you.

    Reply

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About the Author

Sarah Plum(itallo) is a teacher of emerging multilinguals and 21st Century Grant coordinator in Virginia. She writes curriculum for inclusive classrooms and presents professional development on a variety of topics.

Read more about Sarah and her background in education here.

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