A large Christmas word wall can be useful in several lessons, but children can find words more easily when you introduce a small set at a time. Teach them to move from a picture clue to a printed label and then to a sentence.
At a glance
Display a few cards near the writing area and keep a matching student list handy.
1. Choose a topic
Pick words that fit the current story or writing lesson. Save other cards for later.
2. Introduce picture clues
Name each image and invite children to notice a detail. Say and read the label together.
3. Model using a card
Find a word on the wall and copy it into a short sentence. Explain what you were looking for.
4. Use student lists
Put a matching list in a folder for independent writing. Let children point, copy, or dictate a word from the list.
5. Bring the word into a new task
Use the same word to sort, label, or describe a different picture. Check whether children can find it without help.
A classroom example
In a fictional class, Pat wants to write about wrapping a gift. He finds wrapping paper on his picture list and adds it to his sentence. He later uses the same label on a drawing.
Companion printable
The set includes 70 illustrated cards in festive and low-ink styles, four student picture lists, and word-work activities.
Leave a Comment