Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary from "The Fall of the House of Usher". Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the story, 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 Fall of the House of Usher" by creating visualizations.
Boost student engagement by adding interactive vocabulary games tailored to 'The Fall of the House of Usher.' Games make complex words memorable and fun, helping all learners connect with challenging text.
Pick 8–10 essential terms from the story, focusing on words that are most challenging or central to comprehension. This ensures the game is both educational and relevant.
Decide whether to use Bingo, Jeopardy, Memory Match, or Charades. Each format supports different learning styles—visual, auditory, or kinesthetic.
Print or display word cards, clues, and game boards. Clearly explain the rules, so students know how to play and what to focus on for each round.
Guide students as they play, offering clarification and encouragement. Use this time to assess understanding and provide quick support as needed.
Wrap up by asking students to explain definitions, share examples, or use words in context. This solidifies learning and gives everyone a chance to participate.
Visual vocabulary boards are an engaging method for teaching "The Fall of the House of Usher" vocabulary. Students select words, define them, use them in sentences, and create illustrations—helping reinforce learning through both visual and contextual practice.
To make a visual vocabulary board, choose 3 vocabulary words from the story, find their definitions, write an original sentence for each, and illustrate the meanings using scenes, characters, or online images. This helps students connect words to visual cues and deepen understanding.
Key vocabulary from "The Fall of the House of Usher" includes sublime, tarn, arabesque, cataleptical, invalid, pervade, manifest, dilapidated, and more. Select words that fit your students’ reading levels and lesson goals.
Illustrations help students visualize and remember new vocabulary by connecting words to images. This multimodal approach supports better retention, especially for complex or unfamiliar terms found in literary texts.
Yes! Visual vocabulary boards can be completed individually or in pairs. Partner work encourages collaboration, discussion, and peer learning, making activities more interactive and effective for high school classrooms.