Something to Try: Wonder Wall
- Elizabeth Bowey
- Feb 19
- 3 min read
Is your go to stretch and challenge/extension task a progressively harder question in the workbook/sheet?
Have you ever wished your students' questions could drive their learning?
In line with my drive for increasing curiosity...Imagine a classroom where curiosity isn't just welcomed, but celebrated. Why not try a Wonder Wall!
A Wonder Wall is a is a classroom practice where students can write their questions or topics they are curious about on a post it note and stick it to a designated wall space - The Wonder Wall. The idea is that this encourages inquiry-based learning by giving students a platform to voice their own questions and drive their learning through research and exploration; essentially, it's a visual representation of students' curiosity about a subject matter. There are multiple ways it can be used - you as the teacher can get a peak into their brains and start the next lesson answering their questions or when a student finishes their work they can go and get a question and try and answer it (enter space for oracy and presentation skill development?)
Why the Wonder Wall (might) Work
As a space to allow students’ questions, there are a few reasons why this simple tool could have such a profound impact on your classroom inquisitiveness:
Fostering a Culture of Inquiry: When students see their questions valued and displayed, it sparks a culture of inquiry. This encourages them to think deeply and be more engaged in their learning.
Promoting Critical Thinking: By formulating and posting questions, students practice articulating their thoughts and develop critical thinking skills essential for lifelong learning.
Supporting Individualised Learning: The Wonder Wall allows students to pursue their interests at their own pace, making learning more personalized and relevant.
Building a Collaborative Community: Students see the connections between their questions and those of their peers, fostering a sense of community and encouraging collaborative problem-solving.
Build presentation and oracy skills: By allowing students to research or explore other students ideas or questions and then present to the group, it offers a low stakes way of building in oracy and presentation skills.
Quick Wins for Implementation
Excited to try the Wonder Wall in your classroom? Here are some tips to get started:
Create an Inviting Space: Dedicate a section of your classroom to the Wonder Wall. Make it colourful and inviting to draw students in.
Set Guidelines: Explain the purpose of the Wonder Wall and encourage students to post open-ended questions that will inspire deep thinking and exploration.
Model Curiosity: Kick things off by posting your own questions. Show students that curiosity is a lifelong trait and that even teachers have things they wonder about.
Incorporate into Lessons: Dedicate time each week to discuss the questions on the Wonder Wall. Use this as an opportunity to delve into topics together, research as a group, and celebrate the discoveries made.
Connect to the Curriculum: Look for ways to integrate Wonder Wall questions into your lesson plans. This makes learning more relevant and shows students how their inquiries connect to broader educational goals.
By making the Wonder Wall a fixture in your classroom, you’re not just answering questions—you’re fostering a love for learning and creating a dynamic environment where curiosity thrives.
Does this sound like it would work for your classroom? Are you a subject which only sees senior school students once a week? Would that be a barrier to this idea?
Does it have to be topic specific?
Should the questions have a time on the wall before you refresh them?
What are the risks?
Have you tried it? Does it work?
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