WORD SPLASH
Instructions​
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Select 8–15 important words or phrases related to the upcoming content. Arrange them randomly on a board, slide, chart paper, or handout.
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Students examine the words and, either independently or in pairs/groups, write down predictions about what they think the topic might be and how the words are related.
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Facilitate a class discussion where students share their predictions. Record big ideas or recurring themes.
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After students engage with the full lesson, content, or text, return to the word splash. Ask students to revise their connections, define terms, and explain how each word or concept fits into the topic.
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Optional Extension – Students can create summary statements or short written explanations using the word splash vocabulary accurately and in context.
Consideration:
A word splash can also be combined with other strategies. See how The Probable Passage is similar to a word splash while using Gist Statements. In the video below, see how a teacher followed the word splash with summary writing.
THE RESEARCH
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The word splash strategy aligns with evidence-based practices that emphasize activating prior knowledge and making predictions as effective ways to improve comprehension and engagement (Hattie, 2018).
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The 2022 IES Practice Guide on Improving Reading Comprehension for Grades 4–9 encourages instruction that helps students make connections and engage with discipline-specific vocabulary before reading or instruction. This strategy supports those recommendations by helping students frame new information within their existing mental schema, enhancing both initial understanding and long-term retention.