Another great way to engage your students is by creating a storyboard that uses vocabulary from, Henry and Mudge.

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:

1. Use context clues: sometimes you can figure out the meaning of a word by reading the sentences that come before and after the unknown word.

2. Sometimes, the author may tell the definition of the word right in the same sentence or in the following sentence.

3. Picture clues may help define an unknown word.

4. Look at the unknown word and look for parts you may know. Sometimes a new ending or beginning has been added or changed.

5. Use a dictionary or glossary.

Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the story:

worry

v. to give into anxiety; to be concerned about

”When he walked he used to worry about tornadoes, ghosts, biting dogs, and bullies."

stream

n. a small, narrow river

”The birds flew past as he stood beside a stream, calling and calling."

lonely

adj. sad because one has no friends or company

”And Mudge woke up from his lonely sleep, then came running."

Other vocabulary words that can be used are: floppy, weighed, drooled, bullies, milky, soapy, sniffing, whined, shone, empty, and silent.

In this activity, students decide what the important parts in the text are, and categorize them into the beginning, middle, and end of the story. Having students decide the beginning, middle, and end will help them break up the text, and make it easier to choose one or two main events to create. Students can plan their ideas with a partner or individually and decide what main parts they would like to add to their storyboard.

( Parts of a Story Lesson Plan • Buy Poster • Buy PDF )

The storyboard below shows one example for the beginning, middle, and end, but you could set a number of frames for the students to use based on the ability of the student, or length of the text.

Example Henry and Mudge Summary

Beginning

Henry is lonely. His parents agree that he can get a dog. Henry finds Mudge as a puppy, and Mudge grows to be three feet tall and 180 pounds. They become great friends and do everything together.

Middle

Mudge decides to take a walk without Henry and he gets lost! He is sad and misses Henry. Henry searches for Mudge, but can't find him. Henry is sad and thinks Mudge left him.

End

Henry realizes that Mudge loves him and would never leave, so he must be lost. Henry searches again and finds Mudge! Henry and Mudge continue to do everything together, and Mudge never leaves without Henry.