Word Walls in the Upper Grades

Word walls are essential in the lower grades as students begin to recognize and learn how to spell words. This year I realized the positive impact of having word walls in the upper grades. During the first part of the year I would all too often get blank stares as my students fought to remember a term that we previously learned. I decided to see how effective having a word wall was. The results are seen daily in my student's overall understanding of historical events. I love it! For example, my students are connecting and analyzing how discrimination has changed and evolved through the years. They reference terms such as Black Codes, Chinese Exclusion Act,etc... all the time. 

We have a Prefix/Suffix word wall in a separate area of the classroom. This allows them to references prefixes/suffixes that we learned throughout the year. We also have a general misspelled words word wall. There are so many common misspelled words that occur. 

I am already making plans on how I want to implement my word walls next year. 

Common Misspelled words

Reconstruction- WWI words

Prefix Word Wall

WWII Words

Incorporating Technology in the Classroom

The word "Technology" scares many in the teaching profession. It shouldn't do this because technology is so much fun! My students are more engaged when they are able to complete an online task or activity. I try to incorporate online activities in some aspect during my lesson for the students to use their tablets. Today we used Quizlet.com to independently study for a test they are having tomorrow on the Industrial Revolution. I modeled ways that they could study and what studying involves before allowing them to explore. They loved it! Even my students who are not really interested in studying found enjoyment in the online studying format. 

https://quizlet.com/117421922/flashcards