Defining Vocabulary in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Learning new vocabulary is an important part of reading any book. Often, new words pertaining to an unfamiliar context need to be mastered before a student can understand what is happening in a story. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry has many words that are particular and relevant to its setting in the rural South.

Taylor uses many vivid verbs, unique adjectives, and colloquialisms to enhance her writing. How do the words create a better visual in your mind? How does the vocabulary make the writing more authentic?

Vocabulary Activities Example

• sharecropper
• maverick
• lynch
• persnickety
• languidly
• gleaned
• wizened
• shun
• saunter
• traipsing
• reckon
• wheedle
• akimbo
• emaciated
• malevolently
• skittish
• clabber
• chiffonier
• oblivious
• meticulously
• chain gang

Student Instructions

Demonstrate your understanding of the vocabulary words in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by creating visualizations.

1. Choose three vocabulary words from the story and type them in the title boxes.
2. Find the definition in a print or online dictionary.
3. Write a sentence that uses the vocabulary word.
4. 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.