“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary from the book. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the novel, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
(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 The Scarlet Letter by creating visualizations.
Grade Level 9-10
Difficulty Level 1 (Introducing / Reinforcing)
Type of Assignment Individual
Type of Activity: Visual Vocabulary Boards
(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. |
Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary from the book. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the novel, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
(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 The Scarlet Letter by creating visualizations.
Grade Level 9-10
Difficulty Level 1 (Introducing / Reinforcing)
Type of Assignment Individual
Type of Activity: Visual Vocabulary Boards
(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. |
Integrate visual vocabulary boards by starting each class with a quick review or mini-activity using selected words from The Scarlet Letter. This keeps vocabulary fresh and reinforces learning through repetition.
Demonstrate how to choose a word, define it, use it in a sentence, and create a simple illustration live or with a projector. Show students how to use both hand-drawn and digital images for flexibility and engagement.
Assign pairs or small groups to work together on visualizing vocabulary. Encourage discussion about word meanings and examples, which builds deeper understanding and teamwork skills.
Showcase completed vocabulary boards on a classroom wall or digital platform. Rotate featured work weekly to motivate students and create a classroom culture that values vocabulary mastery.
Use exit tickets, quizzes, or peer feedback on visual boards to quickly check for understanding and provide immediate, constructive feedback. This helps students improve and allows you to adjust instruction as needed.
A visual vocabulary board is a creative activity where students illustrate vocabulary words from The Scarlet Letter using scenes, characters, and items. This helps students better understand and remember key terms from the novel.
Use visual storyboards where students select vocabulary words, find definitions, write example sentences, and create illustrations. This approach promotes active learning and deeper comprehension.
Important vocabulary words include ignominy, wan, mirth, ethereal, bequeath, inexplicable, abate, uncongenial, sagacious, venerable, and impropriety. These terms enrich students' understanding of the novel's language and themes.
Choose three vocabulary words, find their definitions, write example sentences, and have students illustrate each word using storyboards or images. Encourage creativity and connections to the novel’s context.
Visual vocabulary boards make abstract words concrete, support visual learners, and increase student engagement. They help students retain complex vocabulary by connecting words to imagery and context.
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher