When reading a story like Beowulf, students will come across unfamiliar words, some of which are no longer commonly used if at all. Many students struggle with these odd expressions. A great way to help students out and engage them with these new words is to have them create vocabulary boards that use Old English vocabulary. However, getting students to use them in context before reading is an excellent way to cultivate the comprehension of vocabulary. You can provide students with a list of words, or if students create them while they read, they can select their own words to investigate!
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a visual vocabulary board for Beowulf.
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
---|---|---|---|
Meaning | Word meanings are clear and correct. | Word meanings are mostly correct, but some are unclear or incorrect. | Most word meanings are unclear or incorrect. |
Sentence | Vocabulary words are used correctly in the example sentences in both meaning and context. | Most words are used correctly, but some of the vocabulary words are used awkwardly or in the wrong context. | Most vocabulary words are not used correctly in the example sentences. |
Comic Visualization | Storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word. | The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand. | The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word. |