Illustrating Vocabulary in Dragonwings

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 Dragonwings by Laurence Yep.

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.

Examples of Vocabulary from Dragonwings

• Nuisance
• Tuberculosis
• Dowry
• Prosperity
• Socialist
• Raiment
• Queue
• Remnant
• Exuberance
• Slough
• Embodiment
• Simper
• Benevolent
• Lair
• Vehement
• Patronizing
• Boarder
• Exasperated
• Totter
• Shrill
• Pagan
• Undulate
• Querulous
• Ethereal
• Aback
• Auspicious
• Lavish
• Cantankerous

Due Date:

Objective: Create a spider map that defines and illustrates vocabulary from Dragonwings.

Student Instructions:

1. Click "Start Assignment".
2. In the title boxes, identify the key terms you have chosen.
3. In the description boxes, write the definition of the term.
4. Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
5. Save and exit when you're done.

Requirements: Must have 3 terms, correct definitions, and appropriate illustrations for each that demonstrate your understanding of the words.