I received this great message and picture from Jeanne Messmer, a third-grade teacher in Arcadia, Indiana:
“Debbie, I am a third grade teacher, and was at your workshop in Lafayette, IN. I talked with you about arranging my Word Wall Words around my Read Aloud books instead of in ABC order. I have attached a picture of the books I have read aloud this year, and the vocabulary words we talked about. I find it very useful to have the words connected to a story we have shared. The students find the words in books they are reading independently, and I use the words as much as possible in my teaching.”
Jeanne's word wall in her third-grade classroom
Great idea! Will definitely use this one!
Jeanne Messmer has posted a photo showing one of my all-time favorite books — “The World According to Humphrey” by Betty Birney. I’ve read every book in this charming series. The main character, Humphrey (a hamster), is so sweet and well-meaning. He truly works hard at friendships. And there are so many laugh-out-loud parts of in all the books. This is a great read, especially for second and third graders. (And I like Jeanne’s idea of connecting the word walls to the books kids are reading!)