Word Banks

  Getting students set up with the right tools for writing. I love to teach writing to elementary students. But first, students must know the difference between a letter, word  sentence and their letter sounds. 

  One of my favorite tools that I like to use for beginner writers is a word bank (word dictionary) in addition to a word wall and quiet background music. A word bank is kind of like a individualized - carry along word wall. Each student receives their own word bank so that they can personalize it and use it as best fits them. 

  When teaching a full classroom of students it’s difficult to help 4-5 kids at the same time on how to spell a specific word and then they might also rely on you always being there to give them the answer. 

  Encouraging students to either sound out or use their resources (such as a word bank)- makes them take more ownership of their learning. I always tell my students use your word bank first and if that doesn’t help to then raise their hand for help. 

  When you have a student that frequently misspells the same word, have them add it to their word collection. If they misspell it again, you can ask the student if they used their resources. 

  If you haven’t used word banks in your class I highly recommend that you give it a try.