Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary that students will see in their readings or presentations aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary from the novel All American Boys .
Students will preview the terms and definitions and use whole class or small group discussion to demonstrate their understanding of each meaning. This can be done at the beginning of each chapter so that students can preview what they will read or teachers could decide to do at the end of a chapter as an assessment. When students define and illustrate each term, they master the application of it and retain it as part of their lexicon.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary from All American Boys
Student Instructions:
Requirements: Must have 3 terms, correct definitions, and appropriate illustrations for each that demonstrate your understanding of the words.
Boost engagement by turning vocabulary practice into a fun competition. Games help reinforce learning and encourage teamwork.
Encourage participation by assigning students to groups of 3–4. Smaller teams ensure everyone has a chance to contribute.
Write each key word on one side of a card and its definition on the other. Mix up the cards for variety and challenge.
Explain how to earn points: teams answer by matching terms to definitions or using words in sentences. Establish a time limit for each round to keep energy high.
Go over each response together. Clarify misunderstandings and celebrate creative uses of vocabulary.
A storyboard vocabulary activity for All American Boys involves students selecting key terms from the novel, writing their definitions, and creating illustrations that visually represent each word. This method helps students deepen understanding and remember new vocabulary.
To help students remember vocabulary from All American Boys, encourage them to define each term in their own words, illustrate the meaning with a scene or character, and discuss the terms in groups or as a class. This interactive approach boosts retention and comprehension.
Key vocabulary words from All American Boys include drone, stereotypical, cocky, mandatory, dilemma, paranoid, pummel, misdemeanor, felony, interrogate, laceration, melee, derelict, conspiratorial, and disperse.
The best way to assess vocabulary understanding is to assign students to create visual vocabulary boards or storyboards, where they define and illustrate each term. You can use this as a formative assessment at the start or end of each chapter.
Introduce new vocabulary by previewing key terms with students before reading. Discuss definitions, provide examples, and let students predict meanings from context. Creating a collaborative class list or visual board can further support comprehension.