“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary that students will see in their readings or presentations aids in overall comprehension and retention. 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 spider map that illustrates and defines new vocabulary in Full Cicada Moon.
Student Instructions:
Requirements: Must have 3 terms, correct definitions, and appropriate illustrations for each that demonstrate your understanding of the words.
Grade Level 6-8
Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)
Type of Assignment Individual
Type of Activity: Visual Vocabulary Boards
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | The definition is correct. | The definition is partially correct. | The definition is incorrect. |
| Visualizations | The storyboard cells clearly illustrate the meaning of the vocabulary words. | The storyboard cells relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words, but are difficult to understand. | The storyboard cells do not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words. |
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary that students will see in their readings or presentations aids in overall comprehension and retention. 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 spider map that illustrates and defines new vocabulary in Full Cicada Moon.
Student Instructions:
Requirements: Must have 3 terms, correct definitions, and appropriate illustrations for each that demonstrate your understanding of the words.
Grade Level 6-8
Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)
Type of Assignment Individual
Type of Activity: Visual Vocabulary Boards
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | The definition is correct. | The definition is partially correct. | The definition is incorrect. |
| Visualizations | The storyboard cells clearly illustrate the meaning of the vocabulary words. | The storyboard cells relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words, but are difficult to understand. | The storyboard cells do not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words. |
Engage students by having them teach vocabulary words to classmates in creative ways. This method fosters deeper understanding and helps all learners remember key terms from Full Cicada Moon.
Let every student become the expert on one term. They’ll explore its meaning, context, and usage—building strong word ownership and confidence.
Encourage creativity by letting students present their vocabulary word through a short skit, drawing, quiz, or mnemonic. This keeps the activity fun and memorable.
Set up stations or circles where students rotate and teach their word to peers. This format ensures active participation and multiple exposure to all terms.
Finish by reviewing all words with a quick-fire quiz, charades, or matching game. This reinforces learning and builds excitement about vocabulary growth.
A visual vocabulary board for Full Cicada Moon is an activity where students define key terms from the novel and illustrate each word using scenes, characters, or items related to the story. This helps deepen understanding and retention of vocabulary.
Students can illustrate vocabulary from Full Cicada Moon by drawing or creating images that represent each term, such as showing a cicada for the word "cicada" or depicting a character wearing a kimono. Illustrations should clearly show the meaning and context of each word.
Key vocabulary words in Full Cicada Moon for grades 6-8 include brittle, cicada, hatsuyume, inheritance, kimono, obento, scowling, silhouettes, sushi, tempura, waning, and waxing crescent.
The best way to teach vocabulary from Full Cicada Moon is to introduce key terms before reading each chapter, discuss their meanings as a class or in small groups, and have students define and illustrate each word. This supports comprehension and long-term retention.
Illustrating vocabulary is important because it helps students visualize and internalize word meanings, making it easier to remember and apply them in context. This strategy supports diverse learners and enhances overall comprehension.
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher