In poetry, just like prose, students will frequently encounter unfamiliar words and terms. When teaching a poem, it is important to ensure students understand these words, as they may not have the same context clues available to them that they would in a prose composition. Also, because poetry frequently relies on dense structure and language to convey complex concepts, a missing word can severely impact student comprehension of poetry.
After you have read the poem once, ask your students to create a list of words that they need to know. Research and discuss the words, either as a class or in small groups, so that students can help fill in the gaps in each other's knowledge. Finally, have students create a storyboard that depicts and explains the use of each word, term, or phrase they have learned to cement them.
Here are some examples of items to know Ortiz Cofer’s poem:
(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 Latin Deli: An Ars Poetica" by creating visualizations.
Recognize that students have varied language backgrounds and learning needs. Offering multiple entry points helps all learners feel included and supported.
Provide a mix of simple and challenging vocabulary so each student can select words that match their readiness. This scaffolds participation and builds confidence.
Encourage students to draw, collage, use digital tools, or act out words as fits their strengths. Student choice boosts engagement and taps into different learning styles.
Partner students so that English learners or struggling readers work with peers who can model and guide. Peer discussion deepens understanding for both students.
Give sentence frames and examples of illustrated vocabulary to help students who need extra support. Visual and linguistic scaffolds make the task accessible for everyone.
A visual vocabulary activity for "The Latin Deli" involves students choosing unfamiliar words from the poem, defining them, writing example sentences, and illustrating their meanings with drawings or photos. This helps deepen understanding of both vocabulary and poetry.
To help students with difficult words in poetry, have them list unknown terms after reading, research definitions together, discuss meanings as a class or in groups, and use visuals or storyboards to reinforce understanding.
Visualizing vocabulary makes abstract words concrete, aids memory, and helps students connect language to imagery—essential in poetry like "The Latin Deli," where cultural terms and symbolism are key to comprehension.
Examples of vocabulary words from "The Latin Deli" include formica counter, plantains, dólares, suspiros o merengues, and jamón y queso. Choose culturally significant or unfamiliar terms for students.
To create a visual vocabulary board: 1) Pick three words from the poem, 2) Find their definitions, 3) Write a sentence for each, and 4) Illustrate the meaning with drawings or photos in a storyboard format.