Creative Ways to Use Word Banks for Differentiation
Let me share two strategies that I have tried and tested in my own 7th grade classroom. These two strategies are great for differentiation, but they’re also great if you’re just looking for something different.
I’m suggesting you try using digital interactive word banks and word bank walls.
These two strategies are very different. It is NOT a case of “print vs. digital”. The good news? They’re super easy to implement and easily adaptable to different standards.
Digital Interactive Word Banks
Digital Interactive Word Banks is, essentially, a word bank that is hyperlinked with hints.
A student can click on the word in the word bank, and an image, a website, or a presentation (whatever you link) will appear to help the student.
Example 1:
Your question is, “The __________ had the greatest impact on Ukraine and Belarus.” Your student could click on the word “fallout” in the word bank and see its definition.
Example 2:
Question: The Red Sea is _____________ of Saudi Arabia.
Word Bank: Each cardinal direction listed in the word bank could link to either a compass rose image or an image of a map of the Middle East/Africa.
Example 3:
Question: The United Kingdom has a (presidential or parliamentary) democracy.
Word Bank: Students could click on the underlined phrase for it to open a picture of your anchor chart that explained the difference.
The links in your word bank can go do pictures you take from your anchor charts or your notes (just upload the pictures to Google to get a link). They can go to images or maps you find online. They can go to websites that have definitions. If it has a link, you can use it in your interactive word bank.
Get a free sample
6th Grade European History Sample Worksheet
Word Bank Wall
This strategy is great for reteaching and supporting your lower-performing students. It’s also just fun. If you don’t want your higher-performing students to miss out, let them do this activity too! This activity is perfect for getting your middle school students out of their seats and moving around.
Instead of giving your students a word bank on their paper, post it on the walls. Use a word bank on your walls or in the hallway! I call this a Word Bank Wall Activity.
The paper will be folded with the word on the outside (so students can see it from their desks), and on the inside will be the question. They’ll have a worksheet at their desk with the questions, and they’ll use the “gallery” as their word bank. When they’re ready to check, they’ll raise their hand for you to give permission. I usually checked for completion and handed them a highlighter. Then, they go to the word, unfold, and check their paper.
You can also give a printed version of the word bank, so students can cross off as they go.
Free 8th Grade Activity
Colonial Georgia Review Word Bank Wall Activity
Both of these strategies are great, and you can use both during different activities! They can easily be adapted to any of your standards and will provide support for your students.
My Top 7 Strategies for Differentiation
Read the blog post.