Using Wordle in the Classroom

[Brian Shephard]

I am a huge fan of Wordle.net and I think it can be a useful literacy tool.

If you've never used Wordle, you should definitely spend a little time learning how to use it. If you're an avid reader, copy a block of text from your favorite novel or poem and make a visualization out of it. For example, I put all of the lyrics to Paul Simon's classic album Graceland in and got this.

Wordle can be a great way to decrease the amount of intimidation young readers feel when faced with new text. You can use it to preview reading material; if you make a wordle out of it, you can review the major terms and concepts before reading. It is also a great differentiation tool. If you've got a visual learner on your hands, Wordle is a perfect way to help them connect with the text.

I've written a lot about how Wordle can be used in the classroom on my blog, Literacy Log. Take a look, and let me know if you've had any success with it!