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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/hatchet-by-gary-paulsen/vocabulary
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
Using the Frayer Model is a great way for students to examine a specific vocabulary word. To start, students choose a word and put that word in the center title box.
In the upper left box, students include the definition and part of speech in the description box (I suggest having students use a dictionary, online or in print, to complete this part). Using Photos For Class, our website for safe, auto-cited Creative Commons images, students can find corresponding images to use as examples.
There are a number of words in Hatchet that your students may be unfamiliar with. Below is a list of suggested vocabulary words that students will come across in their reading.
Example Hatchet Vocabulary Words
- antiseptic
- asset
- crude
- exasperation
- flailing
- frantic
- gorge
- grimacing
- hefted
- massively
- pulverized
- stable
- transmitter
- turbulence
- unduly
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
Create a Frayer Model for one of the vocabulary words from Hatchet.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a vocabulary word and type it into the center title box.
- Find the definition in a print or online dictionary and enter it into the description box under Definition.
- Illustrate the meaning of the word in the Definition 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.
- Quote the use of the word from the book, and recreate the scene.
- Provide written and visual examples of the word.
- Provide written and visual non-examples of the word.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Frayer Model Vocabulary Rubric Template
Create a Frayer Model storyboard to demonstrate the meaning of a word or concept. Include a visualization with the definition, characteristics, examples, and non-examples.
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | Student entered a correct definition for the vocabulary word and included the part of speech. | Student entered a correct definition for the vocabulary word, but did not include the correct part of speech. | Student entered an incorrect definition for the vocabulary word, and/or did not include the correct part of speech. |
| Characteristics | Student provided at least three characteristics of the vocabulary word or concept to expand or clarify the definition. | Student provided two characteristics of the vocabulary word or concept to expand or clarify the definition. | Student provided only one characteristic of the vocabulary word or concept to expand or clarify the definition. |
| Examples | Student provided at least three examples demonstrating understanding of the vocabulary word. | Student provided two examples demonstrating understanding of the vocabulary word. | Student provided only one example demonstrating understanding of the vocabulary word. |
| Non-Examples | Student provided at least three non-examples demonstrating understanding of the vocabulary word. | Student provided two non-examples demonstrating understanding of the vocabulary word. | Student provided only one non-example demonstrating understanding of the vocabulary word. |
Lesson Plan Overview
Using the Frayer Model is a great way for students to examine a specific vocabulary word. To start, students choose a word and put that word in the center title box.
In the upper left box, students include the definition and part of speech in the description box (I suggest having students use a dictionary, online or in print, to complete this part). Using Photos For Class, our website for safe, auto-cited Creative Commons images, students can find corresponding images to use as examples.
There are a number of words in Hatchet that your students may be unfamiliar with. Below is a list of suggested vocabulary words that students will come across in their reading.
Example Hatchet Vocabulary Words
- antiseptic
- asset
- crude
- exasperation
- flailing
- frantic
- gorge
- grimacing
- hefted
- massively
- pulverized
- stable
- transmitter
- turbulence
- unduly
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
Create a Frayer Model for one of the vocabulary words from Hatchet.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a vocabulary word and type it into the center title box.
- Find the definition in a print or online dictionary and enter it into the description box under Definition.
- Illustrate the meaning of the word in the Definition 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.
- Quote the use of the word from the book, and recreate the scene.
- Provide written and visual examples of the word.
- Provide written and visual non-examples of the word.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Frayer Model Vocabulary Rubric Template
Create a Frayer Model storyboard to demonstrate the meaning of a word or concept. Include a visualization with the definition, characteristics, examples, and non-examples.
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | Student entered a correct definition for the vocabulary word and included the part of speech. | Student entered a correct definition for the vocabulary word, but did not include the correct part of speech. | Student entered an incorrect definition for the vocabulary word, and/or did not include the correct part of speech. |
| Characteristics | Student provided at least three characteristics of the vocabulary word or concept to expand or clarify the definition. | Student provided two characteristics of the vocabulary word or concept to expand or clarify the definition. | Student provided only one characteristic of the vocabulary word or concept to expand or clarify the definition. |
| Examples | Student provided at least three examples demonstrating understanding of the vocabulary word. | Student provided two examples demonstrating understanding of the vocabulary word. | Student provided only one example demonstrating understanding of the vocabulary word. |
| Non-Examples | Student provided at least three non-examples demonstrating understanding of the vocabulary word. | Student provided two non-examples demonstrating understanding of the vocabulary word. | Student provided only one non-example demonstrating understanding of the vocabulary word. |
How Tos about Defining Vocabulary in Hatchet
1
Organize a classroom vocabulary word wall for Hatchet
Boost engagement by creating a dedicated word wall to display vocabulary from Hatchet. This visual reference helps students see and use new words daily, reinforcing their understanding during reading activities.
2
Assign students to contribute illustrated vocabulary cards
Have each student select a vocabulary word from the novel and design a card featuring its definition, a sentence from the book, an original sentence, and an illustration. Peer contributions make the wall interactive and meaningful.
3
Rotate vocabulary review games during class
Introduce quick games like Vocabulary Bingo or Word Charades using words from the wall. Active review helps students remember terms and keeps learning fun.
4
Encourage students to use new words in their writing
Challenge students to incorporate Hatchet vocabulary into journal entries, creative writing, or discussion responses. Authentic use supports mastery and confidence with new terms.
5
Update the word wall with student-suggested words
Let students nominate challenging words they encounter while reading. Adding these to the wall empowers learners and ensures the vocabulary remains relevant and comprehensive.
Frequently Asked Questions about Defining Vocabulary in Hatchet
What is the Frayer Model and how can I use it to teach vocabulary from Hatchet?
The Frayer Model is a graphic organizer that helps students deeply understand vocabulary words. To use it with Hatchet, have students select a word, write its definition and part of speech, find the word in the text, provide real-life examples, and non-examples. This method encourages critical thinking and contextual understanding.
How do I create a visual vocabulary board for Hatchet using the Frayer Model?
Start by choosing a vocabulary word from Hatchet. Place it in the center of the Frayer Model. Fill in each section: definition (with part of speech), sentence from the book, real-life example, and non-example. Add visuals using scenes, characters, or Photos for Class to illustrate meaning.
What are some challenging vocabulary words in Hatchet for middle school students?
Some challenging vocabulary words in Hatchet include: antiseptic, asset, crude, exasperation, flailing, frantic, gorge, grimacing, hefted, massively, pulverized, stable, transmitter, turbulence, and unduly. These words are ideal for vocabulary activities like the Frayer Model.
Why is the Frayer Model effective for teaching vocabulary from novels like Hatchet?
The Frayer Model is effective because it requires students to engage with words in multiple ways: definition, context, examples, and non-examples. This deepens understanding and retention, especially with complex words found in novels such as Hatchet.
What are the steps for students to complete a Frayer Model assignment with Hatchet vocabulary?
Steps: 1) Pick a vocabulary word from Hatchet. 2) Write the definition and part of speech. 3) Find and quote the word's sentence from the text. 4) Give a real-life example. 5) Provide a non-example. 6) Add visuals using drawings or Photos for Class.
More Storyboard That Activities
Hatchet
Image Attributions
- Altimeter • leighklotz • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/hatchet-by-gary-paulsen/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
