In this blog post, I’m sharing one of my favorite no-prep strategies that transforms vocabulary instruction across all subject areas: an interactive word wall. Not only is this method engaging and flexible, but I’ve also included a ready-to-use template so you can get started right away—and I’ll even show you how to automate the process using ChatGPT.
What Is an Interactive Word Wall?
An interactive word wall is a vocabulary display that allows students to engage with the content hands-on. Instead of stapled words that stay glued to the wall all year, this approach invites movement, discussion, and critical thinking. Here’s how it works:
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Each word is printed on a folded piece of paper (or laminated card if you're fancy).
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The vocabulary word is on the front, and the definition is hidden inside or on the back.
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Students physically pick a word off the board and use it in various learning activities.
This isn't just for English and reading teachers—science, social studies, and other content-area educators can use this technique, too!
How It Works in the Classroom
Let’s say you’re teaching a unit on DNA. You print out words like nucleotide, double helix, replication, etc., and post them on your classroom bulletin board. During the lesson:
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Students come up, grab a word from the board.
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They return to their seats and explain why they chose that word in context.
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The class discusses and evaluates the vocabulary terms based on understanding.
This process fosters critical thinking, discussion, and active participation. You can structure this for individuals or in group settings, even turning it into team challenges, vocabulary games, or categorization tasks.
The Easy Template You Can Download
No need to design anything from scratch—I’ve created a PowerPoint/Google Slides template that makes creating your word wall super simple. Download it here.
Just:
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Type the word and definition into the template.
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Print and fold.
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Tack to your bulletin board.
And yes, elementary teachers—you can laminate it and even add Velcro dots if you're into that!
Level It Up with ChatGPT
Want to cut your prep time in half? I used ChatGPT to:
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Generate vocabulary word lists and definitions based on specific standards (like the Spanish-American War for social studies).
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Format my word wall slides automatically (after giving it a few nudges to get it right!).
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Customize fonts, sizes, and layouts—so everything looks just the way I like it (hello, Arial 60pt!).
Pro Tip: Train ChatGPT by uploading a sample of how you want the slides to look. Then tweak the results until they match your needs. Save that chat so you can reuse it again and again.
Make It Work for Any Subject or Grade Level
This word wall strategy is super adaptable:
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Use it in elementary classrooms for foundational vocabulary.
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Bring it into middle and high school for technical or academic terms.
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Align it with state standards or textbook vocabulary lists.
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Let students sort, debate, or illustrate their words.
And remember, ChatGPT can even generate activities like:
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Vocabulary scavenger hunts
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Word wall debates
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Pictionary or charades using wall words
Word walls don’t have to be boring or static. With this method—and a little AI help—you’ll create a dynamic vocabulary experience that gets your students thinking, talking, and learning.
Let me know how it goes in your classroom, and be sure to check out more AI-powered teaching tips on my YouTube channel.
Happy teaching, and don’t forget to download your template.
🎬 Hit play and make vocab fun, fast, and interactive🎬