ÒBe MineÓ Word Wall

How can you teach phonics, spelling, and
conventions of language in one activity?
Make a word wall! Word walls offer readily
available support to readers and writers,
and let you teach skills in a meaningful
context. February’s favorite words are just
right for a word wall.
Start by letting children suggest words they
associate with Valentine’s Day, or words they want to
include in Valentine messages. Record these on a chart. Look to the list as a
source of mini-lessons. For example, starting with Valentine’s Day, you can
teach conventions (using capital letters and apostrophes). You may find other
words on the list that lend themselves to phonics lessons. For example, if
someone suggests the word rose, you might teach the phonogram -ose (those,
hose, nose, chose, close, and so on). As the list grows from one day to the next, be
on the lookout for other opportunities to teach with the word wall.