Word Walls by Saralyn Richard
During the time I served as a school improvement consultant, one of the trendy instructional strategies was word walls. Whatever the subject, one could build vocabulary by splashing pertinent words around the environment. Student-generated word walls that spilled over walls, ceilings, floors, and out into hallways became the rage, and we even had contests and prizes for the classes who generated the best word walls.
Surrounding oneself with the most important words was the equivalent of setting out on the journey to learn the unit’s content. Of course, it wasn’t just the words. The meanings of the words, though not usually visible on the wall, traveled to the learner’s brain subliminally. So, the word wall, through single words or phrases, told a story to the brain.
In preparation for the imminent publication of PORT OF DESTINY: A Victorian History, Mystery, & Romance, I thought about how a word wall, like the title, book description, and cover, might convey in a pithy way what the book is about.
So, here’s a word wall for PORT OF DESTINY. Which three words do you find most intriguing?
PORT OF DESTINY will be released next month
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Here’s what author Sherrill Joseph has to say about it: “Richard’s remarkable historical tale of pain and passion weaves a gripping dual narrative about two young women—Rosa, already in Texas, and Chana, desperate for independence and to escape rising pogroms in Russia. Their lives, and those of the men and family members in their spheres, converge amid persecution, immigration, love—and murder.
Richard delivers vivid imagery, brisk pacing, rich character development, and shocking cliffhangers that make the book impossible to put down. The ending is powerful—expect goosebumps and misty eyes.”— Sherrill Joseph, author of the Botanic Hill Detectives Mysteries
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I’ve been reading quite a bit of historical mystery the last few years, so most of the words pique my interest. If I had to choose only three? Immigration, murder, and disappearance.
Great choices, Lois. I love historical mystery, too!
I love the idea of a word wall. There’s one atop the Garden Mount in the park across the street that I always find inspiring. As for your word wall, disappearance, persecution, and candlesticks resonate with me.
I’d like to see the one in the park. Never know where a word wall will take you!
Letters from home. Brothel. Murder.
And I love your idea so much, I’m going to steal it for my upcoming release! Congrats on another book.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Be my guest.
What a fun, creative way to teach young people. The Great Storm of 1900, Steerage Class, Murder.
Thanks, Kathleen. It’s so interesting to see which terms resonate with which people. All part of the dynamics and synergy of the classroom and the world of books.
Very interesting… can’t wait to put together the storm, murder, and millenary.
And they all do come together, Debra! Thanks for “playing.”
I don’t see the other post I made… but here’s a modification. Very interesting. Storm, murder, and millinery .
Yes, Saralyn, I remember Word Walls, too, from teaching! I agree that they are powerful tools for teaching vocabulary and reading comprehension. And thanks for using my review about your fabulous book! The cover is gorgeous; you captured the geographic divide well!
Thank you, Sherrill, for all the support and encouragement you’ve shown for this book. So glad to share the journey with you.
Thank you, Sherrill, for all the support and encouragement you’ve shown for this book. So glad to share the journey with you.
Wonderful. And I just read in another novel about steerage class. Offto purchase Port of Destiny!
Wonderful. And I just read in another novel about steerage class. Off to purchase Port of Destiny!
Thanks for the comment, Donnell. You can’t purchase Port of Destiny until Sept. 1. Not too long to wait. And thanks!