Activity Overview
While students read, they'll encounter new vocabulary they don't know. A great way to engage students with that new vocabulary is to have them create a storyboard! Visual vocabulary boards are a perfect way for students to grasp new terms. In the vocabulary board students can choose between coming up with their use of the vocabulary board, finding the specific example from the text, or depicting it without words.
Suggested Vocabulary Words from Holes
- parch
- raspy
- contaminate
- snicker
- dawdle
- splatter
- indentation
- fume
- sparingly
- barren
- despicable
- unearth
- preposterous
- afflict
- drought
- foul
- gruff
- evict
- expanse
- wade
- deft
- feeble
- mirage
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 Holes 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
- [ELA-Literacy/RI/5/4] Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases in a text relevant to a grade 5 topic or subject area.
- [ELA-Literacy/L/4/4] Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 4 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
- [ELA-Literacy/L/5/6] Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, including those that signal contrast, addition, and other logical relationships (e.g., however, although, nevertheless, similarly, moreover, in addition).
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| 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 To Differentiate Vocabulary in a Story
Help Students Find Words They Do Not Know
To differentiate vocabulary, work with students as you walk through your class to help them make a personalized list of words they do not know. Some students will be self-sufficient, while others will need more help. Doing this in the moment will help you to give each student what they need.
Give Students a Word Bank if Needed
As you walk throughout the classroom, you might point out specific words to students that they might add to their list. For other students, you might want to hand them a typed copy of words that would work.
Students Describe Words to Their Abilities
When creating a written description of the vocabulary words, some students might be able to easily articulate a description. Others might only be able to write a few words. Help students to do their best as you offer scaffolding.
Illustrate Description
Just like with the written word, students will have varying degrees of success with drawing. Illustrations will help students formulate their thinking for new words.
Frequently Asked Questions about Holes Visual Vocabulary Activity
What is a visual vocabulary board?
A visual vocabulary board pairs a vocabulary word and its definition with a picture. Visuals impact learning in a positive way and help students understand more fully the words they are learning.
Why is it important to learn vocabulary when reading a textbook?
Obviously, the words of a story make up the action of the story and it is important for students to understand what they are reading so that they can understand the story. Although it is impossible to stop and define every word as you read, learning new words in the context of a story will improve language overall.
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