Coaches: Christine Benedict, O.A. Thorp Scholastic Academy Adaptable for grade levels: K-2 Key Subject Area(s): Language Arts Also incorporates: Parental Involvement
Study Group Teaching Method Description:
This teaching method puts a new spin on an old idea; instead of just having a word wall in the classroom, teachers will learn how to use a word wall to foster literacy growth amongst students! As students interact with the word wall, they will gain ownership of how it is organized and utilized. In addition to word wall basics, such as construction of the wall and implementation of the words, Study Group members will learn how to let the students’ needs and the employment of a word wall guide instruction.
The key component of this strategy is to allow the students to feel ownership over the word wall. This can be done in many ways from allowing them to choose their own special word for the wall, to opening the word wall up during center time for students to create and share their own games. In order to successfully implement this teaching method, it is important that the word wall is accessible and organized so that the students feel comfortable interacting with it. Acquiring these interactions may take some brainstorming, as every teacher understands the limitations of space and time in the classroom, but they are a vital component to the success students experience with this word wall strategy.
Illinois State Standards and Benchmarks:
State Goal 1: Read with understanding and fluency State Goal 3: Write to communicate for a variety of purposes State Goal 4: Listen and speak effectively in a variety of situations
About the Coach:
Christine Benedict has been teaching Kindergarten at Thorp Scholastic Academy for nine years. This is her second year as a CFE Study Group Coach. Christine recently completed her master’s degree from National-Louis University where she closely researched and strengthened her word wall approach through action research. Since then, she has infectiously shared her expertise and enthusiasm with her colleagues, graduate students, and a previous CFE Study Group. Christine’s other leadership experiences include mentoring student teachers, leading parent workshops, and presenting her word wall strategy to other CPS teachers.
Meeting Times:
The Study Group meeting schedules are determined together at the Study Group Program Kick-Off Dinner on Thursday, June 4, 2009.
