As students read, chances are they'll encounter vocabulary they don't know. Sometimes they can guess what it means from the context, and other times they may not. Engage your students in vocabulary as they read by creating visual vocabulary boards for vocabulary from "The Gift of the Magi". Below are a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the short story.
In the vocabulary board, students can choose between coming up with their use of the vocabulary word, finding the specific example from the text, or depicting the definition without words.
(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 Gift of the Magi" by creating visualizations.
(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. |
Ask the parents or guardians of the students to cooperate and help students practice their vocabulary at home. Parents can use complex vocabulary words in their daily conversations with the students and encourage learning at home.
Give the students frequent reading assignments or recommend books, periodicals, or internet articles that are just a little bit more complex than their current understanding level. Encourage students to make notes of new terms and research their definitions.
Encourage your students to create word associations to aid with word retention. Retention can be improved by associating a word with a similar one, an idea, or a picture. Tell the students that word association is a fun game that they can play with their family or friends and learn new words.
Stress the value of incorporating new vocabulary into daily speech. Encourage them to use new terminology in their conversations, writing, and discussions.
Permit students to select words or subjects for vocabulary drills that they are interested in. Students are more likely to recall and use words when they have a personal connection to them. Students can choose words of their own choice and perform activities of their own choice.
The term "magi" stresses the notion of thoughtful and unselfish gift-giving. It ties the tale to the biblical custom of offering priceless gifts as a sign of respect and affection. The word Magi also means wise men. It reflects the notion behind the thought of sacrificing one’s most precious item for the person you love. Students can find out the various interpretations of this word and its link to the bible.
The word "parsimony" refers to a profound reluctance to spend money or use resources. It is used to depict Della and Jim's financial predicament and their difficulty in purchasing thoughtful gifts in the narrative. Ask the students to use this word in their own sentences and explain the complexity of this word.
This statement underlines the concept that real love entails ongoing sacrifice and that love and selflessness may create a never-ending circle of giving and receiving.
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![The Gift of the Magi - "The Gift of the Magi" Literary Elements](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-cells/2368937/cell-col-0-row-0-w400.png "The Gift of the Magi - "The Gift of the Magi" Literary Elements")