Symbol Word Walls & Dictionaries
In many of my posts I have talked about the need for core
words. With this comes the need for additional classroom supports such as word
walls and symbol friendly dictionaries. Every classroom should have a word wall
of high frequency and content based core vocabulary. Without having access to
and understanding of core vocabulary including content based, students are not
able to access your instruction and related content. This also involves
spending time teaching the core words (high frequency & content based) all
the time. We know that project based learning can be very helpful when students
struggle with communication and language based disabilities. This is also true
of second language learners. Applied contextual based instruction in meaningful
learning activities will help make the connections with the language. Here are
some examples of word walls and symbol friendly dictionaries.
You are right--core words and vocabulary are very important for students to learn and to have continued access to. I think the examples of word walls are very creative. I like the first one of tactile objects, this would be great for some of my students who are visually impaired and need the tactile feedback. Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteRachel,
DeleteI am glad you like the tangible symbols. You can make word walls with many different types of symbols. Something else you can do is also have your students help you make the tangible symbols to have them be more meaningful as well as tying it into a literacy activity.
Craig
ReplyDeleteI agree withbrachel. Inreally like the word walls. I like hiwnyouncouodnuse this within second Language learned. Core words are very important to all types of students so this is just another great way to keep their awareness up! All looks awesome
Sometimes we forget that many of the things we do to support access for AAC users also work quite well with second language learners. It is a great way to integrate the concept of universal design into your classroom and school.
Deletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vib2__BDCXc
ReplyDeleteA cool video about literacy & teaching core vocabulary.
This is a cool video. They also posted one where they show how they made it. The students helped to put the video together. This is a perfect example of giving our students strong voices to advocate for what they need. These types of projects would be great for more schools to do and post or just use in their own districts to educate others. This is the link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhTgu7tS7CE . It is by the same person who posted some of the other things I have referenced, especially the Equality without Words - Michael Brian Reed.
DeleteI agree with rachel. I really like the word walls. I like how you can this within second Language learned. Core words are very important to all types of students so this is just another great way to keep their awareness up! All looks awesome.... How could you tie your word walls into their devices the students are using in the classroom?
ReplyDeleteYou can program the same display into the device or part of the display that is going to be used for that lesson. This way it is constantly being reinforced. If they do not have an advanced device, you would just have the typical two-dimensional displays of the word wall or a modified version of it.
Delete