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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/frindle-by-andrew-clements/vocabulary
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
Vocabulary development is a fitting activity for Frindle, as it is all about the origin of words! Students can use context clues to determine the meaning of many of the words, but a more in-depth look at vocabulary is a relevant activity for this book. Students can use a spider web or a traditional storyboard to map out definitions of words using context clues, definitions, and depictions of scenes in which the words are used.
Example Vocabulary Words from Frindle
- jolt
- reputation
- abruptly
- promptly
- gradual
- cameo
- frantically
- acquaint
- embody
- guarantee
- absorb
- blurt
- emphasize
- rebellion
- vandalism
- pucker
Here is an example of a vocabulary spider map:
Template and Class Instructions
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Demonstrate your understanding of the vocabulary words in Frindle by creating visualizations.
- Choose three vocabulary words from the story and type them in the title boxes.
- Find the definition in a print or online dictionary.
- Write a sentence that uses the vocabulary word.
- Illustrate the meaning of the word in the cell using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
- Alternatively, use Photos for Class to show the meaning of the words with the search bar.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Visual Vocabulary Assignment
Define, illustrate, and give an example sentence for any three vocabulary words.
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word 1 - Sentence | Vocabulary word is used correctly in the example sentence in both meaning and context. | The meaning of the sentence can be understood, but the vocabulary word is used awkwardly or in the wrong context. | The vocabulary word is not used correctly in the example sentence. |
| Word 1 - Visualization | The 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. |
| Word 2 - Sentence | Vocabulary word is used correctly in the example sentence in both meaning and context. | The meaning of the sentence can be understood, but the vocabulary word is used awkwardly or in the wrong context. | The vocabulary word is not used correctly in the example sentence. |
| Word 2 - Visualization | The 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. |
| Word 3 - Sentence | Vocabulary word is used correctly in the example sentence in both meaning and context. | The meaning of the sentence can be understood, but the vocabulary word is used awkwardly or in the wrong context. | The vocabulary word is not used correctly in the example sentence. |
| Word 3 - Visualization | The 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. |
Lesson Plan Overview
Vocabulary development is a fitting activity for Frindle, as it is all about the origin of words! Students can use context clues to determine the meaning of many of the words, but a more in-depth look at vocabulary is a relevant activity for this book. Students can use a spider web or a traditional storyboard to map out definitions of words using context clues, definitions, and depictions of scenes in which the words are used.
Example Vocabulary Words from Frindle
- jolt
- reputation
- abruptly
- promptly
- gradual
- cameo
- frantically
- acquaint
- embody
- guarantee
- absorb
- blurt
- emphasize
- rebellion
- vandalism
- pucker
Here is an example of a vocabulary spider map:
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Demonstrate your understanding of the vocabulary words in Frindle by creating visualizations.
- Choose three vocabulary words from the story and type them in the title boxes.
- Find the definition in a print or online dictionary.
- Write a sentence that uses the vocabulary word.
- Illustrate the meaning of the word in the cell using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
- Alternatively, use Photos for Class to show the meaning of the words with the search bar.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Visual Vocabulary Assignment
Define, illustrate, and give an example sentence for any three vocabulary words.
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word 1 - Sentence | Vocabulary word is used correctly in the example sentence in both meaning and context. | The meaning of the sentence can be understood, but the vocabulary word is used awkwardly or in the wrong context. | The vocabulary word is not used correctly in the example sentence. |
| Word 1 - Visualization | The 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. |
| Word 2 - Sentence | Vocabulary word is used correctly in the example sentence in both meaning and context. | The meaning of the sentence can be understood, but the vocabulary word is used awkwardly or in the wrong context. | The vocabulary word is not used correctly in the example sentence. |
| Word 2 - Visualization | The 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. |
| Word 3 - Sentence | Vocabulary word is used correctly in the example sentence in both meaning and context. | The meaning of the sentence can be understood, but the vocabulary word is used awkwardly or in the wrong context. | The vocabulary word is not used correctly in the example sentence. |
| Word 3 - Visualization | The 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. |
How Tos about Defining Vocabulary in Frindle
1
Engage students with creative vocabulary games for Frindle
Make vocabulary learning interactive by turning your word list into fun, low-prep games. Games help students remember new words and make class time more lively!
2
Set up a 'Vocabulary Charades' activity
Have students act out vocabulary words from Frindle while classmates guess the word. This encourages deeper understanding and helps students think creatively about word meanings.
3
Organize a 'Word Detective' scavenger hunt
Hide vocabulary word cards around the classroom. Challenge students to find each card and use the word correctly in a spoken sentence. This gets kids moving and reinforces word usage in context.
4
Host a 'Vocabulary Pictionary' session
Ask students to draw pictures representing selected vocabulary words while the rest of the class tries to guess the word. This supports visual learners and encourages creativity.
5
Wrap up with a student-led vocabulary quiz show
Let students create quiz questions about the vocabulary words for their classmates to answer. This builds collaboration and gives students ownership over their learning.
Frequently Asked Questions about Defining Vocabulary in Frindle
What are some effective vocabulary activities for teaching Frindle?
Effective vocabulary activities for teaching Frindle include using context clues to define words, creating spider maps or visual storyboards, and illustrating vocabulary through scenes or photos. These methods help students understand and remember new terms from the book.
How can students use context clues to define vocabulary in Frindle?
Students can read sentences around an unfamiliar word in Frindle to find hints about its meaning. By looking at how the word is used in the story, students infer definitions without needing a dictionary.
What is a vocabulary spider map and how does it help with learning Frindle?
A vocabulary spider map is a graphic organizer where students place a word in the center and branch out definitions, examples, sentences, and images. This visual tool helps students deeply understand and remember new words from Frindle.
Which vocabulary words from Frindle are best for fourth and fifth graders?
Some vocabulary words from Frindle that are ideal for grade 4–5 include jolt, reputation, abruptly, frantically, embody, and vandalism. These words challenge students while remaining age-appropriate.
How do visual vocabulary boards enhance student understanding in Frindle lessons?
Visual vocabulary boards help students by combining definitions, sentences, and images. Creating these boards for Frindle encourages active engagement and supports different learning styles, making vocabulary more memorable.
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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/frindle-by-andrew-clements/vocabulary
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© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
