Social Studies Word Wall A social studies word wall is a systematically organized collection of words displayed in large letters on a wall or other large display site in the classroom. The purpose of the word wall is to increase students’ use and understanding of vocabulary. It is a tool to use, not just a display. A content word wall provides a user-friendly reference as new vocabulary is developed. Content word walls are designed to promote group interaction and learning. Ways to use: Note (circle, highlight, discuss) a particular vocabulary word to build familiarity as it is encountered. Select a reference for an important social studies word. Cooperatively decide on a common reference for the word and post on word wall. Circle in Writing: Ask students to circle their use of word wall vocabulary in their writing. Quick Review: Do a quick review a few times each week. Take five minutes to call out a few words. After each word is called out students draw a quick sketch with labels or captions to demonstrate the meaning of the word. Collect Words: Ask students to search reading and writing contexts to collect examples of word wall vocabulary and record examples on charts. Overhead Celebrations: Celebrate successes. Show positive examples of word wall usage by copying and displaying student writing with usage of the vocabulary. Social studies word walls are consistently changing based on the content being taught and the needs of the students. Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland Curriculum 2.0 – Grade 5 2012
Page 1 of 17
activist An activist is a person who strongly supports or is in strong opposition to a particular cause or issue.
Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland Curriculum 2.0 – Grade 5 2012
Page 2 of 17
boycott A boycott is a type of protest through which people refuse to deal with another group or refuse to buy from a certain person, organization, or country. When people boycott, they express their disapproval of the policies of a person, organization, business, or country. Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland Curriculum 2.0 – Grade 5 2012
Page 3 of 17
collaboration Collaboration is an academic success skill used by individuals to work effectively and respectfully to reach a group goal.
Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland Curriculum 2.0 – Grade 5 2012
Page 4 of 17
command decision A command decision is a decision made by an authority such as a king or a governmental body.
Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland Curriculum 2.0 – Grade 5 2012
Page 5 of 17
compromise A compromise is a settlement of differences in which both sides give something up in order to come to an agreement.
Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland Curriculum 2.0 – Grade 5 2012
Page 6 of 17
conflict A conflict is a disagreement or argument about something important.
Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland Curriculum 2.0 – Grade 5 2012
Page 7 of 17
currency Currency is something used as a medium of economic exchange such as money.
Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland Curriculum 2.0 – Grade 5 2012
Page 8 of 17
Loyalist (Tory) Loyalists are colonists who upheld the authority of the British crown and who disagreed with those who supported American independence during the American Revolutionary Period. Many Loyalists belonged to a political party called the Tories. Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland Curriculum 2.0 – Grade 5 2012
Page 9 of 17
opportunity cost Opportunity cost is the next best (second-best) choice that is given up when a decision (choice) is made. Example: Pedro is buying lunch in the cafeteria. The choices are pizza, tacos, or a hot dog. Pedro likes all three choices, but he can only have one. He chooses pizza. His opportunity cost is his next best (secondbest) choice, which is tacos. Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland Curriculum 2.0 – Grade 5 2012
Page 10 of 17
Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland Curriculum 2.0 – Grade 5 2012
Page 11 of 17
Patriot Patriots are colonists who were opposed to British control of the American colonies during the American Revolutionary Period. They were often associated with the political party called the Whigs.
Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland Curriculum 2.0 – Grade 5 2012
Page 12 of 17
rebellion A rebellion occurs when a group of people openly oppose or fight against authority such as government.
Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland Curriculum 2.0 – Grade 5 2012
Page 13 of 17
turning point event A turning point event is a decisive event after which a significant change occurs. A turning point event causes the progression of events to change in a significant way. For example, the loss or win of a particular battle may be a turning point event in the course of a war that later determines the victor. Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland Curriculum 2.0 – Grade 5 2012
Page 14 of 17
urban artisan An urban artisan is a skilled worker or craftsperson in a trade that involves making things by hand. The business of an urban artisan is located in a city environment. Urban artisans include cobblers, silversmiths, coopers, weavers, brick makers, blacksmiths, and glass blowers. Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland Curriculum 2.0 – Grade 5 2012
Page 15 of 17
Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland Curriculum 2.0 – Grade 5 2012
Page 16 of 17
yeoman farmer A yeoman farmer is a free farmer who owns and works his own land. Yeomen farmers are thought of as hardworking and without great wealth.
Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland Curriculum 2.0 – Grade 5 2012
Page 17 of 17
