1. TESOL 2011: NCTM/TESOL Colloquium
English Language Learners Achieving Academic Success in Mathematics
Using Word Walls in the Math Content Class To Support Language Acquisition:
Word Walls And What To Do With Them
Linda Gerena
Building vocabulary must not consist of endless lists of words that are not meaningful to the
learner (Allen, 2007, 1999). Word walls should focus on new words as they are taught. žWords
must be useful and frequently used in subject areas. Teachers and students should ždiscuss new
words as they are displayed. It is important not to crowd word walls and to “retire” words when
they are no longer needed. It is equally important to use the word wall for instruction and
practice. Some activities that can be used with word walls are:
• Mystery Word
In this activity the teacher will introduce a new word by writing the letters in a scrambled
order. Students try to unscramble the word. Teacher can give clues, if needed, either
about the word’s meaning or about how it is spelled.
• Visiting Word
This is a new or ‘visiting’ word to an existing word wall Students hunt for the new word
and then use the new word in the day’s activities.
• Missing Word
One of the words is removed from the wall and the remaining words may be rearranged.
Students scan the word wall and figure out which word is missing. Teacher may offer
clues to identify the missing word.
• Word Wall Bingo
Students make their own BINGO Boards using the word wall vocabulary. Teacher reads
definitions and students cross out the corresponding word on their grid. Variation: use
synonyms or antonyms for word wall words. The game is played as corners, rows,
diagonal, or full card to win.
• Around The World
Students are all standing. The first student states a definition. If the next student can
identify it, that student (the one who identifies it) remains standing and gives a new
definition is given. Each time a student misses, he/she sits down and the next student tries
to identify the term. Keep going until only one student is standing
• Who Am I
Teacher or student can provide a definition of one of the word wall words. Students
decide which word is being defined and adds it to a list. After ten words (or any number
you feel is appropriate) , the correct answers are given and groups or individuals check
their list. The ones with the most correct answers win.
• Mind Reader
Students are given up to 5 clues about a word on the wall. Clues should become
increasing narrow.
• ž Word Pictures
Word wall vocabulary is illustrated and other teams or students must identity the word.
• Word Cards Partner Game
Pairs of students take turns choosing a word card and offering a definition for the word.
• Word Ad
Each group creates a radio or television ad to ‘sell’ one of the words from the word wall
and present it to the class.

2. • Word Sorts:
Ask students to sort word wall words according to specific criteria
• Crossword Puzzles/Word search
Use on line templates to create crossword puzzles and word searchers
• Maximum Words in a Story
Students write a story involving as many words from the word wall as possible within a
given time frame. Students underline all the word wall words they used and share their
stories in small groups. Each group decides which to read aloud, e.g., the story with the
most words or the most creative story
• Words within Words
Students make a list of as many words as possible by reorganizing some of the letters of a
word wall word.
• Poetry Acrostic.
Students write a poem using as many words as possible from the word wall. As a
variation, students choose just one word from the word wall and write a poem about that
word (Haiku/Limerick, etc).
• Rankings
Students individually list the word wall words, in writing, from most difficult to easiest
for them to understand
• Visual Representation
Students choose one word from the word wall to convey its meaning visually.
• Rhyme Time
Students select three to five word wall words with which they can rhyme words. Students
list as many rhymes for each word as they can in a given time limit.
• Metaphors and Similes
Students practice their abstract thinking skills by choosing five words from the word wall
and creating either a simile or metaphor for each of the words.
References:
Allen, J. (1999). Words, Words, Words. Portland: Stenhouse Publishers.
Allen, J. (2007). Inside words: Tools for teaching academic vocabulary, grades 4-12. Portland,
ME. Stenhouse
Beers, K. (2003). When Kids Can’t Read: What Teachers Can Do. Portsmouth: Heinemann.
Callella, T. (2001). Making Your Word Wall More Interactive. Huntington Beach: Creative
Teaching Press.
Interactive Word Wall: Retrieved January 4, 2011.
http://www.teachnet.com/lesson/langarts/wordwall062599.html
Palm Beach County Literacy Project. Vocabulary Acquisition, Word Building Strategies and
Interactive Word Walls. Retrieved January 4, 2011.
Word Walls. Retrieved January 4, 2011.
http://www.theteacherscorner.net/writing/wordwall/index.htm
Working with Words. Retrieved January 4, 2011.
http://www.wfu.edu/~cunningh/fourblocks/block4.html