1. Definition of word walls
A word wall is an interactive collection of words or parts of words uses to teach vocabulary, spelling, letter-sound correspondence, and more. Word walls are uses as a tool to teach language concept.
According to Setiadi (2005) found that word wall is a collection of systematically organized vocabulary that is displayed in large letters and attached to the wall of a class. Word wall is a learning media that must be uses not only displayed or seen. This media can be designed to improve the activities of study groups and can also involve students in their making and use activities. By using word wall students are expected to increase their understanding of English vocabulary without having to always depend on the use of dictionary or meaning of the word given by the teacher.
According to Milton (2009:3) words are the building blocks of language and without them there is no language. Knowing about language should be preceded by knowing about vocabulary so that the communication can be done well. This media can be designed to improve learning and group activities that can involve students in the making process and usage activity. By using word wall method is expected that students could crease understanding of the English language vocabulary without depend on the use of a dictionary or even the meaning of the word given word given by the teacher.
According to Copper & Kiger (2003) A word wall is a collection of high-frequency sight words that are age appropriate, classified into groups or categories, and is located on the wall of a classroom for children to easily see and learn. Additionally, Green (1993) argues that word wall helps to create a print rich environment for students, and can be a wonderful tool that is designed to promote group learning. Regarding to the definition above, word wall is a systematically organized collection of words displayed in large letters on a wall or other large display place in the classroom. It is a tool to use, not just display.
According to Erin (2011), Interactive word walls showcase well- selected words; they help teachers build a foundation for student content vocabulary comprehension. They also support word-learning strategies by highlighting root words, suffixes, prefixes, and their meanings. This helps students decode meaning in text. Additionally, when students use the word walls they become more conscious of words and definitions. This supports content
comprehension. It also helps students become aware of vocabulary in the world around them.
A word wall is an ongoing, organized display of key words that provides visual reference for students throughout a unit of study or a term. These words are used continually by teachers and students during a variety of activities.
Word walls serve multiple purposes. Effective word walls:
1. Support the teaching of key words and subject-specific terminology.
2. Promote independence in reading and writing by building vocabulary.
3. Provide visual clues and reference for language learners.
4. Help students remember connections between words and concepts
Building a word walls can be easily integrated into daily activities. Key words and/or terminologies that relate to the lesson or unit of study can be added gradually as they are introduced. A word wall should be organized in a way that is useful to students with additions reflecting the skills or concepts being taught.
Often, word walls are organized alphabetically, with words printed on card stock, and taped or pinned to the wall/board. Teachers are encouraged to be creative is designing a word wall so that it engages the students and enhances their learning.
2. Word Walls Strategy
Cunningham (2000) It is not enough to simply have a word wall in the classroom. You have to 'do' the word wall. Teachers cannot simply put up words somewhere in the classroom and tell students to use them. Doing a word wall means being selective and limiting the words that are essential to the unit of study.
Doing a word wall means making the words accessible by putting them where
students can see them. Doing a word wall means adding words gradually suggests adding five words a week. Doing a word wall means students have time to practice and to write with the words. Doing a word wall means using a variety of review activities to provide enough practice so that the words become automatic for the students. Teachers who 'do' word walls report that all students can learn critical words.
Word walls strategy also serve to teach word analysis and to build vocabulary from units of study. It is a tool for students to use to improve their reading, spelling, and vocabulary skills and activities into their daily routines.
3. Word wall as media of teaching vocabulary
In teaching vocabulary by using word wall media (Erin 2011) consist some activities:
a. Make words accessible by putting them where every student can see them they should be written in large black letters using a variety of background colors to distinguish easily confused words.
b. Teachers should be selective about the words that go on the word wall.
Try to include words that children use most commonly in their writing.
Words should be added gradually a guideline is five words per week.
4. The goals of word wall
According to Patricia Antonacci (2012:105) found that :
a. Support the teaching of important general principles about words and how they work.
b. Foster reading and writing.
c. Provide reference support for children during their reading and writing.
d. Promote independence on the part of young students as they work with words in writing and reading.
e. Provide a visual map help children remember connections between words and the characteristics that will help them form categories.
f. Develop a growing core of words that become part of a reading and writing vocabulary.
5. The steps to make of using a word wall :
a. Use the favorite words that most appropriate on particular theme, so they are easy to remember.
b. Create these words in a variety of forms that will be more interesting for students.
c. Make it useful by often using this word in variety of activities such as, listening, speaking, reading and writing.
d. Make it easy to see, to write q script which is large and placed on a wall in the classroom.