...the word wall. When my eldest daughter was in Senior Kindergarten (5 yrs old) her teacher suggested that parents put basic sight words up on the wall at home. Apparently, repetitive and regular exposure to the basic words would help our daughter in her reading and writing. I'm a keener mom (if you haven't noticed yet) and promptly made a "word wall" for our house. As time went on my daughter did indeed learn to read and write. And honestly, having fast access to these words did seem to help.
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Unfortunately, we moved - and as with most things for a second child - the word wall was moved to the basement...a rarely used space. So where my eldest had enjoyed the daily presence of these words, my youngest did not. That is until last week when I dusted off the word wall and brought it into our dining room. Here is what you need to make your very own word wall.
bulletin board
basic sight word flash cards
large push pins
hook (to hang the bulletin board)
Steps
1. sit with your child and review the basic sight word flash cards
2. separate the flash cards into 3 piles - 1) words they know 2) words they sort of know 3) words they do not know
3. using the large push pins, pin the words they do know onto the board Hot Tip: We used large push pins because they are easier to find when they inevitably fall on the ground...don't want to accidentally step on a push pin!
4. place one elastic around each of the other piles, to keep them separate, and store them close by the word wall
5. now mount the hook in place on your wall and hang the bulletin board Hot Tip: Be sure to mount the bulletin board in a highly visible spot. We eat all of our meals in our dining room, so we are in there a lot, you may want to place it in the kitchen, playroom, etc. Somewhere that you spend time with your child.
It was amazing to see how proud my daughter was to read the words. Once your child has mastered the words you have pinned up, feel free to add more words. Use the words and have your child create sentences and stories. It is amazing where the word wall can lead. These words are a great jumping off point for beginning to write stories and draw pictures. As the word wall grows and changes your child's confidence and proficiency increases.
And, nope I don't mind having this hanging in my dining room. It might not be "art" - but I'm not living in a gallery!
Michelle says
Love it! Making one of these today!!
KitchenCounterChronicles says
Awesome Michelle! Thanks for stopping by.
KitchenCounterChronicles says
Thanks Vicky...I'll check out your blog and say "hi".
Cathy @ NurtureStore says
Thanks for sharing this idea with the Play Academy. I agree with you, it's great to have a 'print rich' home.