In this activity students are able to 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 reading the text. The sentences and images validate the understanding of the word and the context that it was used in the novel.
(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 Matilda by creating visualizations.
Use exit tickets or quick quizzes to check for immediate understanding after a lesson. This helps you spot learning gaps right away and tailor your next steps based on real-time data.
Facilitate short partner or group discussions where students must incorporate new vocabulary. This active practice boosts retention and builds confidence using words naturally.
Offer sentence frames or prompts to help students create meaningful sentences. This scaffolds learning and ensures all students can participate successfully.
Play games like charades, Pictionary, or word bingo using the target vocabulary. Games make review fun and encourage repeated exposure to key terms.
Dedicate part of your classroom to a visual word wall where students can add words, definitions, and illustrations. This ongoing reference supports long-term retention and classroom ownership of learning.
A visual vocabulary board for Matilda is an activity where students choose vocabulary words from the novel, define them, use them in sentences, and create illustrations or find images to represent their meaning and context in the story.
You can support students by having them select key vocabulary from Matilda, look up definitions, write example sentences, and visualize the words through drawings or curated images. This multi-step approach deepens comprehension and retention.
Sample vocabulary words from Matilda suitable for grades 4–5 include fenómeno (phenomenon), intrigante (intriguing), horrorizado (horrified), directora (principal), and quemar (to burn).
Students should: 1) Pick three vocabulary words from the story, 2) Write each word in a title box, 3) Find the definition, 4) Create a sentence with the word, 5) Illustrate or find an image that shows the meaning, and 6) Save and submit the completed board.
Visualizing vocabulary helps students connect words to context, enhances memory, and boosts engagement. By pairing definitions, sentences, and images, learners gain a deeper understanding of language used in Matilda.