Using Alphabetical Word Walls in the Early Years by Diane Snowball

About this teaching resource

What is an alphabetical word wall?

An alphabetical word wall is a wall or large display area that has a section for each letter of the alphabet, in alphabetical order. Words added include high frequency words, children’s first names and other topic-related words children frequently encounter as readers and/or writers.  Word walls may be used for other purposes too, so it is important to label your word wall(s) to indicate the purpose.  In this instance we are referring to a word wall which should be labelled Words we often use as readers and writers, or something similar.

Why have an alphabetical word wall?

Word walls facilitate automatic recognition and spelling of high frequency words. Since high frequency words account for approximately 50% of written language, it is logical that children learn to recognise these words in their reading and learn to spell them for their writing as soon as possible, even though they should still try unknown words in their writing.