1. Activity 7. The Word Wall & The Rock Shared Responsibility for Successful Students

2. This activity involves: group brainstorming individual selection of the most meaningful word or words to serve as a paperweight paperweight will remind each participant of their commitment to support all learners

3. Using only one word or two at the most, think of a word or words that serve as a reminder to you of the importance of creating a climate of shared responsibility for all students.

4. Two Questions… Who can tell us what it is and how it can be used in instruction? How many of you know what a Word Wall is or actually use a Word Wall?

5. A word wall is an organized collection of words prominently displayed in a classroom. This display is used as an interactive tool for teaching reading, spelling, word or concept connections, etc. There are many different types of word walls including high frequency words, word families, names, synonyms, etc.

6. Two Questions… What word reminds you to promote and protect equity, belonging, and high expectations for every single student in your school or classroom? What word or words (no more than two) serve as a call to arms, a strong stimulus, a reminder to yourself of the importance of creating a climate of shared ownership for all students?

7. Place your nominees or your own choices on the Word Wall. Take a minute to study the wall and select the word/words that have the most meaning for you.

8. Now create your own paperweight for your desks with your selected word.

9. Gather in small groups and introduce your rocks and the reason(s) for your word choice. How do you intend to use this throughout the school year?