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Word Wall Voyage

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Alanah Garza

Tier 2
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Word Wall Voyage - Session 1

Students will learn and practice seven key literacy terms by matching word cards to images and placing them on the word wall, then demonstrate understanding by creating simple labels or sentences.

Building a visual, interactive word wall supports ELL newcomers’ comprehension and production of essential literacy vocabulary through peer interaction and multisensory engagement.

Audience

ELL newcomers to the United States

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Visual-kinesthetic small-group activities

Materials

  • Session 1 Word Cards, - Session 1 Image Cards, - Word Wall Space (chart paper or wall section), - Sticky Notes, and - Markers

Prep

Prepare Materials

15 minutes

  • Print and cut Session 1 Word Cards and Session 1 Image Cards
  • Review Word Wall Voyage - Session 1 as needed
  • Reserve a blank section of the classroom word wall and post a heading area
  • Gather sticky notes and markers

Step 1

Greeting & Warm-Up

2 minutes

  • Gather students in a small circle by the word wall space
  • Show all seven word cards and corresponding images briefly
  • Model pronunciation and have students repeat each term once

Step 2

Introduce Vocabulary

5 minutes

  • Display one word card with its image at a time
  • Provide a simple definition or demonstration, using gestures or L1 translation as needed
  • Ask a quick comprehension check, e.g., “What do you think ‘annotate’ means?”

Step 3

Matching Game

5 minutes

  • Distribute mixed word and image cards to student pairs
  • Instruct pairs to find matching pairs and discuss why they match
  • Have each pair place their matched cards on the word wall in the correct order, with teacher support

Step 4

Sentence Creation

3 minutes

  • Ask each student to choose one word from the wall
  • Write a one-word label or simple sentence on a sticky note (e.g., “I can predict.”)
  • Place the sticky note under the selected word on the word wall
lenny

Slide Deck

Word Wall Voyage – Session 1

Collaborative Vocabulary Building
15 minutes | Tier 2 Group Lesson

Welcome students! Today we begin our Word Wall Voyage. Greet each student by name, briefly explain that we will build a classroom word wall together, and show excitement for learning new reading and writing words.

Objectives

• Learn and practice 7 key literacy terms
• Match word cards to images and place them on the word wall
• Create simple labels or sentences using new vocabulary

Read through each objective aloud. Check for understanding by asking: “What will we do first?” and “What example sentence might you write?”

Key Vocabulary

annotate
audience
compose
comprehension
fluency
inference
literacy

Display the physical word and image cards one at a time. Model pronunciation and encourage choral repetition. Use gestures or a quick demonstration to clarify meaning.

Matching Game

  1. Distribute mixed word and image cards to pairs
  2. Find matching pairs and discuss why they match
  3. Place your matched cards on the word wall

Divide students into pairs and distribute mixed cards. Circulate to support pairing and L1 translation if needed. When pairs are ready, invite each to add their cards to the word wall.

Sentence Creation

  1. Choose one word from the wall
  2. Write a label or simple sentence on a sticky note (e.g., “I can predict.”)
  3. Place your sticky note under the word

Model one example (e.g., “I can predict.”). Provide sentence frames if helpful: “I can _____.” or “My audience is _____.” Offer translation supports or drawing as needed.

Wrap-Up & Next Steps

• Review words on our word wall
• Encourage use in reading and writing
• Preview next session’s words and activities

Review all words on the wall by pointing and asking volunteers to name one. Preview that in Session 2, we will add more words like purpose, response, and text evidence. Thank students for their participation.

lenny

Worksheet

Session 1 Vocabulary Match

Name: _________________________ Date: _______________

Instructions:

  1. Match each vocabulary word to its definition. Write the letter of the correct definition on the line next to the word.
  2. Choose two words from the list and write a simple sentence for each. Use the word correctly.

Part 1: Matching

Words:

  1. annotate ________
  2. audience ________
  3. compose ________
  4. comprehension ________
  5. fluency ________
  6. inference ________
  7. literacy ________

Definitions:
A. to add notes or comments to a text
B. the group of people who read or listen to a text
C. to write or create a text
D. understanding of what is read
E. reading with speed, accuracy, and expression
F. a guess or conclusion made from clues in the text
G. the ability to read and write

Part 2: Sentence Creation

Choose two words from above. Write one simple sentence for each.

  1. ____________________________________________________________





  2. ____________________________________________________________





Extension (Optional): Draw a small picture that shows one of your sentences.











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lenny

Answer Key

Session 1 Answer Key

This answer key corresponds to the Session 1 Vocabulary Match worksheet.
It includes correct matches for Part 1 and sample sentences for Part 2, along with the teacher’s step-by-step reasoning.

Part 1: Matching

WordCorrect Definition LetterExplanation
1. annotateA“Annotate” means to add notes or comments to a text.
2. audienceB“Audience” is the group of people who read or listen to a text.
3. composeC“Compose” means to write or create a text.
4. comprehensionD“Comprehension” is understanding of what is read.
5. fluencyE“Fluency” is reading with speed, accuracy, and expression.
6. inferenceF“Inference” is a guess or conclusion made from clues in the text.
7. literacyG“Literacy” is the ability to read and write.

Teacher’s reasoning process:

  • Read each term aloud and ask: “What do our images or prior lessons tell us about this word?”
  • Compare the student responses to each definition:
    • When pairing “annotate,” look for the definition about adding notes.
    • For “fluency,” check that students recognize it involves speed, accuracy, and expression, not just understanding.
  • Confirm each match by having a volunteer explain why the word and definition go together.

Part 2: Sentence Creation

Instructions to students: Choose two words from above and write one simple sentence for each.

Sample student sentences:

  1. annotate – “I annotate my book by underlining important words.”
  2. inference – “I make an inference about the character’s feelings.”

Teacher’s notes on scoring:

  • Accept any grammatically correct sentence that uses the target word in context.
  • If a student’s sentence shows partial understanding (e.g., “I annotate.”), award partial credit and provide support for expanding the idea (e.g., “What are you annotating?”).
  • Encourage use of simple subject-verb-object structure for clarity.

Extension (Optional) – Drawing:

  • Look for a clear connection between the student’s drawing and one of their sentences.
  • Use the illustration to assess deeper comprehension of the vocabulary in context.
lenny
lenny

Lesson Plan

Word Wall Voyage - Session 2

Students will learn and practice three new literacy terms—purpose, response, and text evidence—by matching word cards to images, placing them on the word wall, and writing simple sentences to show understanding.

Adding these terms builds on prior vocabulary to strengthen ELL newcomers’ reading comprehension and writing skills. Visual, kinesthetic, and peer-supported activities deepen word knowledge and promote active language use.

Audience

ELL newcomers to the United States

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Visual-kinesthetic small-group activities

Materials

  • Session 2 Word Cards, - Session 2 Image Cards, - Word Wall Space (chart paper or wall section), - Sticky Notes, and - Markers

Prep

Prepare Materials

15 minutes

  • Print and cut Session 2 Word Cards and Session 2 Image Cards
  • Review Word Wall Voyage - Session 2 as needed
  • Ensure blank space on the word wall for new words
  • Gather sticky notes and markers

Step 1

Greeting & Warm-Up

2 minutes

  • Return to the word wall and review words from Session 1 by pointing and asking students to say one word aloud
  • Show the three new word cards and images briefly, model pronunciation, and have students repeat each term

Step 2

Introduce Vocabulary

5 minutes

  • Display one new word card with its image at a time (purpose, response, text evidence)
  • Provide a simple definition or example in context (e.g., “The purpose of reading is to learn information.”)
  • Conduct a quick comprehension check, e.g., “What is the purpose of this text?” or “What evidence did you find?”

Step 3

Matching Game

5 minutes

  • Distribute mixed word and image cards to student pairs
  • Instruct pairs to find matching pairs and discuss why they match
  • Have each pair place their matched cards on the word wall under a “Session 2” heading, supporting L1 or gestures as needed

Step 4

Sentence Creation

3 minutes

  • Ask each student to choose one new word from the wall
  • Write a one- or two-word label or simple sentence on a sticky note (e.g., “My purpose is to understand.”)
  • Place the sticky note under the selected word on the word wall
lenny

Slide Deck

Word Wall Voyage – Session 2

Adding More Vocabulary
15 minutes | Tier 2 Group Lesson

Welcome back, everyone! Today is Session 2 of our Word Wall Voyage. Greet each student by name, remind them of our word wall, and show excitement for adding new words.

Objectives

• Review key vocabulary from Session 1
• Learn 3 new literacy terms: purpose, response, text evidence
• Match word cards to images and place them on the word wall
• Create simple sentences using new vocabulary

Read each objective aloud. Ask: “What will we review first?” and “Which new words will we learn today?” Check for understanding.

Warm-Up: Review Session 1 Words

annotate • audience • compose • comprehension • fluency • inference • literacy

Point to our word wall and ask volunteers to name words from Session 1. Remind students to say the word and a quick meaning. Provide support in L1 or gestures as needed.

Key Vocabulary

purpose • response • text evidence

Display each new word card and its image. Model pronunciation, have choral repetition, then give a simple definition or example (“Text evidence is proof from the text.”). Check comprehension.

Matching Game

  1. Distribute mixed word & image cards to pairs
  2. Find matching pairs & discuss why they match
  3. Place matched cards on the word wall under “Session 2”

Divide students into pairs and distribute mixed word and image cards. Circulate to support matching and L1 translation. When pairs finish, have them place their matched cards under “Session 2” on the word wall.

Sentence Creation

  1. Choose one new word from the wall
  2. Write a simple sentence on a sticky note (e.g., “I find text evidence.”)
  3. Place the sticky note under the word

Model one example using a sentence frame (e.g., “My purpose is to learn.”). Provide translation or draw support. Ask each student to write their own sentence on a sticky note.

Wrap-Up & Next Steps

• Review today’s new words on the wall
• Encourage use in reading & writing
• Preview next session: predict, self-selected text

Review the three new words by pointing and asking volunteers to read each word and their sentence. Preview Session 3: we will add “predict” and “self-selected text.” Thank students for their great work!

lenny

Lesson Plan

Word Wall Voyage - Session 3

Students will learn and practice two new literacy terms—predict and self-selected text—by matching picture and word cards, previewing texts to make predictions, and writing simple sentences to show understanding.

Introducing prediction strategies and independent reading vocabulary empowers ELL newcomers to engage actively with texts and choose appropriate reading materials, reinforcing comprehension and language skills.

Audience

ELL newcomers to the United States

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Visual-kinesthetic small-group activities

Materials

  • Session 3 Word Cards, - Session 3 Image Cards, - Self-Selected Texts (student choice books), - Word Wall Space (chart paper or wall section), - Sticky Notes, and - Markers

Prep

Prepare Materials

15 minutes

  • Print and cut Session 3 Word Cards and Session 3 Image Cards
  • Review Word Wall Voyage - Session 3 as needed
  • Gather a selection of self-selected texts for students to preview
  • Ensure space on the word wall for new vocabulary
  • Collect sticky notes and markers

Step 1

Greeting & Warm-Up

2 minutes

  • Meet students at the word wall and review Session 2 words by pointing and asking volunteers to say one aloud
  • Show the two new word cards and images (predict, self-selected text), model pronunciation, and have students repeat once

Step 2

Introduce Vocabulary

5 minutes

  • Display the word card and image for predict
    • Define: “To say what you think will happen next”
    • Model: “I predict it will rain because I see dark clouds.”
    • Quick check: “What do you predict about our story?”
  • Display the card for self-selected text
    • Define: “A book you choose to read on your own”
    • Model: “My self-selected text is a comic book.”
    • Quick check: “What is your self-selected text?”

Step 3

Matching & Prediction Activity

5 minutes

  • Distribute mixed word and image cards to student pairs
  • Give each pair a self-selected text to look at briefly
  • Instruct pairs to match vocabulary word and image cards and discuss why they go together
  • Ask pairs to preview the text cover and title, then write a prediction using predict on a sticky note (e.g., “I predict this story is about friendship.”)
  • Have pairs place matched cards and prediction sticky note on the word wall under “Session 3”

Step 4

Sentence Creation

3 minutes

  • Ask each student to choose one word from the wall (predict or self-selected text)
  • Write a label or simple sentence on a sticky note (e.g., “I predict a happy ending.” or “My self-selected text is about animals.”)
  • Place the sticky note under the selected word on the word wall
lenny

Slide Deck

Word Wall Voyage – Session 3

Introducing Prediction & Independent Reading
15 minutes | Tier 2 Group Lesson

Welcome back, everyone! Today is Session 3 of our Word Wall Voyage. Greet each student by name, remind them of our word wall, and express excitement for learning two new words and making predictions.

Objectives

• Review key vocabulary from Session 2
• Learn 2 new literacy terms: predict, self-selected text
• Match word and image cards and preview texts to make predictions
• Create simple sentences using new vocabulary

Read each objective aloud. Ask: “Which words will we review?” and “What will we do with our self-selected texts?” Check for understanding.

Warm-Up: Review Session 2 Words

purpose • response • text evidence

Point to the word wall and ask volunteers to name one Session 2 word and say its meaning. Provide L1 support or gestures as needed.

Key Vocabulary

predict • self-selected text

Display the predict card and image first. Model pronunciation, define, and check comprehension. Then repeat for self-selected text.

Matching & Prediction Activity

  1. Match each new word card to its image
  2. Preview your self-selected text (cover & title)
  3. Write a prediction using “predict” on a sticky note (e.g., “I predict this story is about friendship.”)
  4. Place matched cards and your prediction under “Session 3” on the word wall

Divide students into pairs. Distribute mixed word and image cards plus a self-selected text to each pair. Circulate to support matching and predictions.

Sentence Creation

  1. Choose predict or self-selected text
  2. Write a simple sentence or label on a sticky note
  3. Place your note under the chosen word on the word wall

Model one example sentence for each word (e.g., “I predict a happy ending.” or “My self-selected text is about animals.”). Provide frames if needed.

Wrap-Up & Next Steps

• Review today’s new words and your predictions
• Encourage use in reading & writing
• Preview next session: continue adding vocabulary during reading activities

Review the new words and a few student predictions by asking volunteers to read them aloud. Remind students to use these words in their reading and writing.

lenny

Lesson Plan

Word Wall Voyage - Session 4

Students will review and practice all twelve unit vocabulary words through an interactive bingo-style game and a short comprehension task, then demonstrate understanding by writing reflection sentences.

This review consolidates vocabulary knowledge, promotes retention through engaging, multisensory strategies, and supports ELL newcomers’ confidence in using key literacy terms for reading and writing.

Audience

ELL newcomers to the United States

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Interactive review game and application

Materials

  • Session 4 Word Cards, - Session 4 Image Cards, - Session 4 Bingo Cards, - Session 4 Short Text Passages, - Word Wall Space (chart paper or wall section), - Sticky Notes, and - Markers

Prep

Prepare Materials

15 minutes

  • Print and cut Session 4 Word Cards, Session 4 Image Cards, and Session 4 Bingo Cards
  • Print Session 4 Short Text Passages
  • Review Word Wall Voyage - Session 4 as needed
  • Reserve space on the word wall and post a “Session 4 Review” heading
  • Gather bingo chips, sticky notes, and markers

Step 1

Greeting & Warm-Up

2 minutes

  • Gather students by the word wall
  • Point to each vocabulary word and invite volunteers to pronounce and give a one-word meaning
  • Re-model any challenging pronunciation as needed

Step 2

Vocabulary Bingo Review

7 minutes

  • Distribute Session 4 Bingo Cards and chips to each student
  • Call out a definition or show an image from Session 4 Image Cards
  • Students mark the matching word on their bingo card
  • First student to get a line (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) calls “Bingo!” and reads the matched words and meanings

Step 3

Comprehension Practice

4 minutes

  • Hand out Session 4 Short Text Passages to pairs
  • Ask pairs to read one sentence aloud and underline any vocabulary words
  • Partners discuss the underlined word’s meaning and use it in a new simple sentence orally

Step 4

Wrap-Up & Reflection

2 minutes

  • Ask each student to write a quick sentence using one reviewed word on a sticky note (e.g., “I compose a story.”)
  • Students place their sticky note under the chosen word on the word wall
  • End with a brief review of one or two standout sentences
lenny

Slide Deck

Word Wall Voyage – Session 4

Review & Consolidation
15 minutes | Tier 2 Group Lesson

Welcome back, everyone! Today is Session 4 of our Word Wall Voyage. Greet each student by name, remind them of our growing word wall, and express excitement for a fun review.

Objectives

• Review all unit vocabulary words
• Play vocabulary bingo to identify word meanings
• Practice comprehension with short text passages
• Write reflection sentences using our words

Read each objective aloud and check for understanding by asking: “Which activity will help us remember the words?”

Warm-Up: Review Word Wall

annotate • audience • compose • comprehension • fluency • inference • literacy • purpose • response • text evidence • predict • self-selected text

Point to the word wall and invite volunteers to pronounce each word and give a one-word meaning.

Vocabulary Bingo Review

  1. Hand out Session 4 Bingo Cards and chips
  2. Call out a definition or display an image
  3. Students mark the matching word on their card
  4. First to get a line calls “Bingo!” and reads the words and meanings

Distribute bingo cards and chips. Show definitions or images one at a time. Students mark the matching word on their cards.

Comprehension Practice

  1. Distribute Session 4 Short Text Passages to pairs
  2. Read one sentence aloud and underline vocabulary
  3. Discuss each word’s meaning
  4. Say a new simple sentence using the underlined word orally

Pair students and hand out short text passages. Ask them to read aloud, underline any vocabulary words, and discuss meanings.

Wrap-Up & Reflection

  1. Write a quick sentence on a sticky note (e.g., “I compose a story.”)
  2. Place your note under the chosen word on the word wall
  3. Invite a few volunteers to read their sentences aloud

Ask each student to write a sentence using one of the reviewed words. Collect and highlight a few standout examples to close.

lenny

Lesson Plan

Word Wall Voyage - Session 5

Students will apply unit vocabulary by writing short narratives using at least five words from our word wall and share their sentences orally, demonstrating comprehension and active use of terms.

Using vocabulary in authentic writing and speaking tasks consolidates understanding, boosts retention, and builds confidence in applying literacy terms in context.

Audience

ELL newcomers to the United States

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Collaborative writing and oral sharing

Materials

  • Word Wall Space (chart paper or wall section), - Session 5 Writing Prompt Sheet, - Writing Paper, - Pencils, - Sticky Notes, and - Markers

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Print Session 5 Writing Prompt Sheet
  • Review Word Wall Voyage - Session 5 as needed
  • Ensure all vocabulary words are displayed on the word wall
  • Gather writing paper, pencils, sticky notes, and markers

Step 1

Greeting & Review

2 minutes

  • Gather students by the word wall
  • Point to several vocabulary words and invite volunteers to say each word and give a quick meaning

Step 2

Brainstorming

3 minutes

  • Ask students to call out words they want to include in their writing
  • Record suggested words on the board and confirm pronunciation and meaning as a group

Step 3

Writing Task

6 minutes

  • Distribute writing paper and pencils to each student
  • Instruct students to write a short narrative (3–5 sentences) using at least five words from the word wall
  • Encourage use of sentence frames, drawing, or L1 support as needed

Step 4

Sharing & Feedback

3 minutes

  • Invite volunteers to read one of their sentences aloud
  • Peers listen and place a sticky note under each word on the word wall that they heard in the sentence

Step 5

Reflection

1 minute

  • Ask each student to write one word they felt confident using today on a sticky note
  • Place the sticky note under the corresponding word on the word wall
lenny

Slide Deck

Word Wall Voyage – Session 5

Applying Vocabulary in Writing & Sharing
15 minutes | Tier 2 Group Lesson

Welcome back! Today is Session 5 of our Word Wall Voyage. Greet each student by name, remind them of our word wall, and express excitement for applying our vocabulary in writing and sharing.

Objectives

• Review key vocabulary from our word wall
• Brainstorm words to include in writing
• Write a short narrative using at least five words
• Share sentences and listen for vocabulary use
• Reflect on words you feel confident using today

Read each objective aloud. Check for understanding by asking: “Which activity will help you practice the words?”

Warm-Up & Review

  1. Gather at the word wall
  2. Volunteers pronounce a word and share its meaning
  3. Teacher re-models any challenging pronunciation

Bring students to the word wall. Point to several words and invite volunteers to say the word and give a quick meaning.

Brainstorming

  1. Call out vocabulary words to include
  2. Teacher lists words on the board
  3. Confirm pronunciation and meaning as a group

Guide students to call out words they want to use in their writing. Record suggestions on the board, confirming pronunciation and meaning.

Writing Task

  1. Write a short narrative (3–5 sentences)
  2. Include at least five words from the word wall
  3. Use sentence frames or drawings as needed

Distribute writing paper and pencils. Remind students to use sentence frames or drawing supports if needed.

Sharing & Feedback

  1. Volunteer reads one sentence aloud
  2. Peers listen and mark each heard word on the word wall with a sticky note

Invite volunteers to read one of their sentences aloud. Classmates listen and place a sticky note under each word they hear on the word wall.

Reflection & Closure

  1. Write one confident word on a sticky note
  2. Place it under that word on the word wall
  3. End with praise and encourage continued use

Ask each student to write one word they felt confident using today on a sticky note and place it under that word on the word wall. Celebrate their growth!

lenny