WORD SPLASH TEACHING STRATEGY

Word Splash is a pre-reading strategy that can help students hone in on the important facts and vocabulary of a
passage prior to reading so that the reading is less intimidating to conquer. It is also a way to pre-assess background
knowledge and use teachable moments (teaching the unknown concepts before reading).
Example of the word splash :

Word Splash could be used for

As a pre-reading strategy
To use as a pre-reading strategy, select a group of key terms from an assigned reading before students read
it. Use the terms to create a wordsplash on a large piece of newsprint or an overhead transparency put
the central topic in the center, and splash the key terms around it. Project or display it in the classroom.
Put students into small groups, and have them generate complete sentences that explain the relationship
they expect to find between each term and the central topic. After the statements have been created, have
the students complete the assigned reading, pausing after each paragraph to compare their statements with
the information in the reading. As the students encounter each term in the reading, have them modify their
list of statements. For statements that are neither confirmed nor denied by the text, have students mark the
statements with a question mark.

 As a summarizing device
Before students begin the assigned reading, display the word splash in the classroom or pass out a copy to
each student. As they read, have students write a sentence for each word, connecting it to the central topic.
Suggestions for Application
Here are a few ways you can use the Word Splash strategy in your classroom as part of your collection of classroom
games.

Create a Word Splash prior to viewing an educational video, then pause the video periodically for students to discuss
and revise their predications.

Create a Word Splash prior to having a guest speaker. After the speaker has completed his presentation, have
students share their predications with the guest.

Use the Word Splash strategy for summarizing. Have students read a passage and then create their own Word Splash
of what they feel are the key terms or ideas in the passage.

Create a Word Splash with pictures. Display a variety of pictures for students and ask them what they think the key
ideas are in the photos.
How to Keep it Fun and Interesting
To keep the Word Splash strategy fun, try and vary the way you present it. Here are a few ideas.

Write vocabulary words on a name tag and stick it to the students shirts.

Display words on paper and hang them from the ceiling with wire hangers or paper clips.

Use window markers and write the vocabulary words on the window.

Write words in different colored chalk on the front board.

Write words on sticky notes and place randomly around the classroom.