Root Word Word Wall

teaching in room 6
Jen at The Teacher's Cauldron is having a Word Wall linky, and I thought I would take this opportunity to link up.  Now, some of you may have seen my word wall post when I first wrote it...but I am going to wager that most of you haven't.  It was one of my firsts...and I know there weren't as many of you here when I started ;)



I don't use my Word Wall in the traditional manner.  I used to, really I did.  But I found that I just wasn't getting the most bang for my buck that way.  The kids weren't using it so it basically became a really big wall decoration.  As time went on though, I realized that I could use that same space to help my students learn their Greek and Latin Roots.


One of the major standards in 5th grade is learning these roots.  I have gone to great lengths this year to get them to learn the roots and the word wall is the first step. Each Wednesday, the students create Root Word cards.  (You can read more specifically about it here.....I could rewrite it, but, eh, I already did ;))  On Thursday, they create Circle Maps of those cards (again, here)
greek and latin roots
This is the Wednesday word card.
thinking maps     Mrs. Moorman    Stephanie
These get created on Thursdays.










 After discussion, we create class Circle Maps, and those get put on the word wall.  In the beginning of the year, I made those Circle Maps really big.   However, I found they just took up too much space.  So I went back and made them a bit smaller. 

teachinginroom6.blogspot.com     5th grade   4th grade
upper grades    root words











So there you have it.  My word wall.  These pictures were taken in the beginning of the year, so it does look a bit different now.  There are more words, and (like I said earlier), smaller Circle Maps.  But the idea is the same.  And what is great is that my students actually use it!  (mostly because they are obsessed with this Greek and Latin Root Word Memory Game I created...and they use it as a reference).

How do you use your word wall?  Head on over to Jen's Linky to see how others use theirs...and leave your ideas here!

7 comments

  1. Hi!! I realized you may not see my reply to you on my blog, so I'm lazily pasting here on yours!!

    We actually do both, since I teach 4th and 5th. 5th graders learn about the regions and choose a state to research and complete a project. 4th graders learn about our state specifically and work on a project about that. I use it as an opportunity for all of my ELL students to learn about our state, then we branch out to the research projects. I'm tired just thinking about it!! Are you doing a project on your state?

    Our projects are pretty basic--students in both grades get those trifold boards and create a display based on a rubric and write some small papers to go with their state. Are you thinking of a different kind of project?? Do you have a choice as to what to do?

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  2. how great is that to change it up for the the intermediate grades!!

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  3. Thank god I have you for next year. I need to brush up on the 5th grade standards.
    I have a really great strategy to share with you for a word wall activity that will work very well with what you are doing. Unfortunately..... I already packed up my word wall for the year. I take it down before our state test and don't bother to put it back up for the last month and a half of the school year. Are you following the CCSS yet?

    I love your circle map!!!! You're an amazing teacher Steph!!! You're students are blessed to have you!
    ❤ Mor Zrihen from...
    A Teacher's Treasure
    Teaching Treasures Shop


    ❤ Mor Zrihen from...
    A Teacher's Treasure
    Teaching Treasures Shop

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  4. Great ideas. I love it!I'm your newest follower.
    www.missnelsonsgotthecamera.blogspot.com

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  5. LOVE it! So glad I subscribe to your posts! Otherwise, wouldn't have known about the cool link up! THanks!
    Ann Marie

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  6. That's a great idea for your grade level!!! I'm a bit late to the party, but I'm here...and with a freebie! Come by and pick it up when you get a chance!

    Blessings,
    Rebecca

    The Teacher's Chatterbox

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  7. Nice Word Wall! Great word maps :) Found you through the Linky Party! I'm your newest follower. Come stop by ;)

    Summyr

    http://theteachaholic.blogspot.com

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