Another great way to engage your students is by creating a storyboard that uses vocabulary from Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa.
In this activity, students demonstrate their understanding of vocabulary words using sentences and corresponding images. Students may be provided the vocabulary words, or they can use words that they have discovered through their reading of the text. The sentences and images validate the understanding of the word and the context that it was used in the novel.
Here are some ways to help your students find the meaning of the vocabulary words they choose:
Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the story and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
v. look after the coat of (a horse, dog, or other animal) by brushing and cleaning it
"'First I must groom you,' said Cowgirl Kate."
v. make (something) appear fuller and softer, typically by shaking or brushing it
“‘Will you please fluff my straw?’ Cocoa asked."
n. a quiet, gentle song sung to send a child to sleep
“‘Then I will sing you a lullaby,’ said Cocoa."
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map that defines and illustrates new vocabulary words in Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa.
Student Instructions:
Create a dedicated space on your classroom wall to display new vocabulary from Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa. This helps students see, review, and use the words daily, reinforcing their understanding in a visual way.
Ask each student to make a word card with a definition, sentence, and drawing for their chosen vocabulary word. Display these cards on the word wall to boost ownership and engagement.
Select a handful of vocabulary words each week to highlight on the wall. Encourage students to use these words in their writing and speaking to reinforce learning through practice.
Play quick games like 'Guess the Word,' 'Charades,' or 'Word Detective' using the wall cards. Make learning fun and memorable while checking for understanding.
Ask students to use a featured word in a sentence or drawing on an exit ticket before leaving class. Use these for quick, informal vocabulary checks.
A visual vocabulary board for Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa is a teaching tool where students define new words from the story using both sentences and images, helping them better understand and remember key vocabulary.
To teach vocabulary with Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa, have students select new words from the text, define them, use them in sentences, and illustrate their meanings on a visual board. This reinforces comprehension and context skills.
Effective strategies include using context clues, examining word parts, looking at picture clues, and checking a dictionary or glossary to determine the meaning of new words from the story.
Common vocabulary words from Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa include groom (to brush and clean an animal), fluff (to make fuller and softer), and lullaby (a gentle song to help someone sleep).
The best way is to have students choose key terms, write definitions and example sentences, then draw illustrations showing each word’s meaning, using scenes or characters from the book for context.