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 related to Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson.
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 vocabulary found in Chains.
Student Instructions:
Requirements: Must have 3 terms, correct definitions and appropriate illustrations for each that demonstrate your understanding of the words.
Set up a dedicated space on your wall for vocabulary terms and student illustrations. This helps students see and interact with new words daily, reinforcing learning through visual cues.
Rotate classroom jobs so students are responsible for adding new words, definitions, and images. Active participation boosts ownership and ongoing engagement with vocabulary.
Incorporate quick games like ‘Vocabulary Bingo’ or ‘Guess the Word’ using terms from the wall. Gamifying review sessions keeps students motivated and reinforces word meanings in fun ways.
Ask students to relate each new term to something in their own lives or current events. Personal connections deepen understanding and make vocabulary more memorable.
Highlight student progress with small celebrations, like a ‘Word Master’ certificate or sharing favorite words. Recognizing effort encourages continued enthusiasm for learning new vocabulary.
The Vocabulary in Chains activity asks students to create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key terms from Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson. This helps improve comprehension and retention by engaging students in both understanding and visualizing vocabulary.
To create a visual vocabulary board for Chains, choose three vocabulary terms, write their definitions in the description boxes, and illustrate each term using relevant scenes or characters. Use the storyboard format, then save and submit your assignment as directed.
Starting a lesson with key vocabulary helps students preview important terms they'll encounter, which boosts overall comprehension and aids in long-term retention. It also prepares students for upcoming readings and discussions.
Examples of vocabulary words from Chains include patriot, loyalist, indenture, providence, insolence, gangplank, churn, spinet, fatigued, betwixt, beholden, melancholy, curtsy, pestilent, thrash, domestic, confuddled, arsonists, and caterwauling.
Yes, teachers can use the vocabulary storyboard activity as an assessment at the end of a chapter to check students' understanding of key terms, or as a preview before reading to build vocabulary knowledge.