Activity Overview
In any classroom, vocabulary is a key component for expanding student knowledge. A perfect way for students to practice vocabulary skills is to create storyboards that show the use of a word in a real life context or visually depicted as meant in the text. When students define and then use a word, they master the use of it in context and retain it into their own vocabulary.
There are two ways that you can use Poe’s vocabulary to teach your class. First, have students come up with their usage for each word in an original sentence authored by them. Second, have them find the usage of the word in the text and depict what the word means.
Vocabulary Words from “The Cask of Amontillado”
- Amontillado: A dry pale sherry, a type of alcohol similar to wine.
- Retribution: Payback, punishment, revenge.
- Impunity: Freedom from consequences.
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 "The Cask of Amontillado" by creating a visual vocabulary board.
- 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/RL/9-10/4] Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone)
- [ELA-Literacy/W/9-10/6] Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology’s capacity to link to other information and to display information flexibly and dynamically
- [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
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 Teach Complex Vocabulary To Younger Students
Make Lists
Before reading or teaching any literary writing, make a list of complex vocabulary with meanings from that writing and give it to students beforehand. This list will help them get familiar with the words and clear any confusion they have during the reading and understanding stage.
Use Pronunciation Exercises
Since younger students have trouble pronouncing complex words, teachers can practice pronouncing these words in advance. They can also use engaging and interesting activities like creating catchy tunes for remembering the pronunciation.
Use Vocabulary Flashcards
Teachers can make flashcards of the complex words and use them to practice in class. Teachers can also encourage students to make their own flashcards so they can have access to them at home for practice as well.
Use Visual Aids
Engage students in interesting activities such as acting out the meaning of the word or showing pictures that represent the exact definition of the vocabulary. Students can also make their own drawings to interpret the vocabulary. These drawings can be displayed in class for encouragement.
Encourage Independent Research
Motivate the students to read books or other items with advanced vocabulary. Give the students a place where they feel comfortable asking questions about new terminology they come across. This activity can be supported by a trip to the nearest library and giving students a chance to read and explore books.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visual Vocabulary For “The Cask of Amontillado”
How can the discussions regarding themes be made more interesting by using visual vocabulary?
Initiate conversations about subjects like retaliation, duplicity, and irony using pictures. Show students pictures that reflect these themes and ask them to explain how they relate to the plot and characters in the novel.
How can visual vocabulary improve comprehension of the setting of the story?
Illustrations of the funfair atmosphere and the dank, dark tunnels can assist readers visualize the contrasted settings of the novel. To emphasize the contrast, use vivid hues for the funfair scenes and somber tones for the tombs. The story uses many complex words and using visual vocabulary to understand them can also improve comprehension of the setting of the story.
Can symbolism in the story be explored using visual vocabulary?
Of course, visuals can draw attention to symbolic components like the Amontillado wine, which stands for opulence and desire, or the trowel, which represents a weapon of retaliation. Students may more readily understand the symbolic meaning with the aid of these illustrations.
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