Developing Spanish Word Walls: Three Adjustments to Consider

Using examples from their work with early childhood teachers, the authors discuss the significance of interactive word walls for vocabulary development in early childhood Spanish/English dual language classrooms. They highlight differences between the Spanish and English language for building vocabulary understanding by focusing on three adjustments for Spanish word-walls: (a) the use of distinct colors, (b) the use of high frequency words with accents, and (c) the use of articles. Building and using specific word walls can provide opportunities for scaffolding students' vocabulary development in their second language by providing visual clues and visual support for the teaching of Spanish words.