Activity Overview
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary terms aids in overall comprehension and retention. In addition, teachers may utilize this activity as students read so that they can make visual vocabulary spider maps of new and unfamiliar terms as they encounter them. Students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary found in the book. Each cell will contain a vocabulary term, its definition or description, and an appropriate illustration.
To scaffold or tailor this activity, teachers may choose to provide students with a list of vocabulary words and have them complete the activity before reading. It can be done before or after each chapter or for the entire book. They might also as students to identify anywhere between 3 and 10 words. Be sure to update the student instructions as necessary!
Template and Class Instructions
(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 defines and illustrates key vocabulary from the book.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the vocabulary terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition or description of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: Must have 3 vocabulary terms, correct definitions or descriptions, and appropriate illustrations for each that demonstrate your understanding of the words.
Lesson Plan Reference
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/6/4] Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone
- [ELA-Literacy/L/9-10/3] Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening
- [ELA-Literacy/L/9-10/4] Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grades 9-10 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies
- [ELA-Literacy/L/9-10/6] Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression
- [ELA-Literacy/W/6/6] Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of three pages in a single sitting.
Rubric
(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. |
How To Help ELA Students Continuously Improve Their Vocabulary
Set Ground Rules
Teaching and learning vocabulary for a new language can be hard so it is important for teachers to set some ground rules in the class. For instance, teachers can ask the students to read new vocabulary 2-3 times a day at home and create three different sentences for each word they learn every day. Some generic rules such as active note taking and participation can also be set in order to help students learn in an effective environment.
Conduct Interesting Activities
It can be hard for students to learn new things through monotonous processes. Teachers can incorporate new and interesting activities in each lesson plan to get the students interested and grab their attention. For instance, learning vocabulary by talking about different cultures or organizing movie sessions to help students learn while they’re having fun.
Reinforce the Concepts
Reinforcement is an important part of the learning process. Teachers can dedicate 5-10 minutes at the beginning or ending of each class to revisit previous concepts and ideas. It can also be done by assessing students with the help of assessments and quick quizzes.
Promote Learning Through Context
Ensure that the students know the meaning of the words with context. Instruct the students to infer meaning from words and sentences around them. This method helps with learning and remembering new words without having to cram and also enhances the critical thinking abilities of the students. Teachers can conduct exercises in class where students will try to guess the meaning of a word based on the context provided.
Create Customized Lessons
Acknowledge that every student learns differently and at a different pace. Create individualized lesson plans that address each student's needs and enable them to advance at their own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vocabulary in Novel Study
What are the advantages of storyboards in helping students learn and acquire new vocabulary?
Using storyboards allows for a multimodal approach to enhance vocabulary acquisition. Students find it simpler to relate words to meanings when they interact with creative and visual aspects. Storyboards also promote a deeper understanding of the background of the book. Teachers can also use other similar and interesting activities to make the lessons more engaging.
Why is storyboarding a better approach to learning for ELL and ESL students?
Storyboarding can be used by anyone as it Is not solely dependent on understanding the language to convey the meaning. Students learning English as a second language (ESL) or ELL may find it especially helpful as it offers a practical method for comprehending and applying new words in context.
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