Instead of using static word walls, why not create a mural with descriptive sentences defining the vocabulary?
For the past two years, I have used a mural of a river ecosystem I created using butcher paper cutouts. I placed it on the large windows in my room to also cut down on distractions as people passed outside. (Middle school kids love getting distracted by squirrels....)
As we learn each new vocabulary word, I put up the corresponding label on our mural. Typically, I'll have students elic