Activity Description

Preparation:

1. Identify new words you would like to add to your class Word Wall
    a. These may be high frequency words or words with common spelling patterns
2. Write each word on a cue card
3. Stick the cards to the chart paper, face down
4. Draw blank lines on the chart paper to represent each letter of each new word beside the taped Word Wall cards
5. Write out the letters of the alphabet on the chart paper in order to keep track of student guesses

Implementation:

1. Introduce the game
    a. Explain to the students that they will take turns guessing the letters contained in the new word wall words
    b. If a student guesses a letter correctly, he/she can try and guess the Word Wall word
2. If the letter is in any of the words, write it on the correct line
    a. If the letter is not in the words, cross it off
3. If a student guessed a letter contained in one of the word wall words, encourage them to try to guess one of the words
    a. 2 points are awarded for correct guesses, but 1 point is also awarded for guesses that could fit
4. Continue until all of the words have been revealed
5. Review all the new Word Wall wordsReview their meanings and note any spelling patterns you are trying to teach

Adaptations For

English Language Learners/ESL:

- Only call on students if they volunteer

LD/Reading & Writing Difficulties:

- Only call on students if they volunteer

Differentiated Instruction:

- Encourage students to respectfully assist one and other with guessing

Related References

Evidence:
Jasmine, J., & Schiesl, P. (2009). The Effects of Word Walls and Word Wall Activities on the Reading Fluency of First Grade Students. Reading Horizons, 49, 301-314.