Registration | Log In

Search Grants | Fulfilled Grants | More About Find It, Fund It, Florida

Share

Please share this page to help in fulfilling this grant.

Goal

The word wall update project is a transformative initiative designed to create an interactive space where students can strengthen their academic vocabulary skills. This project holds special significance as Bayside High School stands as the first long-term alternative school within the Pinellas County School District. Our school's distinctive approach involves working with students who are striving to catch up on credits through a combination of modified scheduling and smaller class sizes.


 

 

What will be done with my students

At Bayside High, our word wall is a dynamic and integral component of our educational approach. It serves as a versatile tool for enhancing students' vocabulary and comprehension skills, particularly in the context of each unit they study. Here's a breakdown of how we utilize the word wall:

Vocabulary Card Creation: At the start of each unit, every student is provided with a set of vocabulary words relevant to the topic. Each student takes ownership of their learning by writing the vocabulary word on one side of a 4x6 card. This initial step encourages active engagement and personal connection to the words they will be learning.

Defining and Understanding: The next phase involves students taking the initiative to delve deeper into their vocabulary words. On the reverse side of their cards, they research and write down the definitions. This process encourages independent learning, critical thinking, and the development of research skills as they explore the meanings of unfamiliar words.

Share-Out Activity: Collaboration and peer learning are essential elements of our word wall strategy. After students have defined their vocabulary words, we facilitate a share-out activity. During this session, students take turns presenting their words and definitions to their peers. This exercise fosters communication skills, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the words through peer explanations and discussions.

Word Wall Display: One of the most impactful aspects of our approach is the placement of these vocabulary cards on our word wall for the duration of the unit. This visual display transforms the classroom into an immersive learning environment. As students encounter these words daily, they not only have a constant visual reminder but can also refer to individual words as needed throughout the unit.

 

 

Benefits to my students

Benefits to Our Students:

The utilization of our word wall provides a multitude of benefits to our students, aligning perfectly with our commitment to their academic success and empowerment:

Enhanced Vocabulary: Students expand their vocabulary and become more adept at using academic language, a critical skill for success in high school and beyond.

Independent Learning: The process of researching and defining words fosters self-directed learning, empowering students to take charge of their education.

Peer Engagement: Share-out activities encourage collaboration and peer teaching, enhancing communication skills and promoting a supportive classroom community.

Constant Reference: The word wall serves as a reliable reference point, reducing the need for students to interrupt their learning to look up definitions. This fosters a seamless and efficient learning process.

Confidence Building: Presenting their vocabulary words to their peers boosts students' confidence in public speaking and presentation skills.

Long-Term Retention: The visual presence of the word wall ensures that vocabulary is not just learned for a test but is retained for future application in their studies and beyond.

Ultimately, our word wall strategy at Bayside High is a testament to our commitment to providing a rich and engaging educational experience. It empowers our students with the tools they need to succeed academically and sets them on a path towards lifelong learning and achievement.

 

 

Describe the Students

As an alternative school, we each student's educational journey is unique, and we are committed to providing the support they need to succeed. Our diverse population includes ESE, 504, GenEd, and credit recovery students.

Additionally, Bayside High boasts a robust Teen Parenting program, demonstrating our dedication to addressing the diverse needs of our student population.

The "Empowering Literacy" project aligns seamlessly with Bayside High's mission to empower our students and prepare them for success. By enhancing academic vocabulary skills through the interactive word wall, the goal is to bridge educational gaps, support credit recovery, and equip our students with the essential tools to thrive academically. This project is not just about improving literacy; it's about opening doors to brighter futures and nurturing success within our unique educational community.




 

 

Budget Narrative

Priced at Office Depot and Amazon.com 

 

Items