Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary that students will see in their readings or presentations aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary related to The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo.
Students will preview the terms and definitions and use whole class or small group discussion to demonstrate their understanding of each meaning. This can be done at the beginning of each chapter so that students can preview what they will read or teachers could decide to do at the end of a chapter as an assessment. When students define and illustrate each term, they master the application of it and retain it as part of their lexicon.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that defines and illustrates new vocabulary in The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.
Student Instructions:
Requirements: Must have 3 terms, correct definitions, and appropriate illustrations for each that demonstrate your understanding of the words.
Boost learning by incorporating fun, movement-based games that reinforce key vocabulary terms from The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and keep students energized.
Pick a game like Vocabulary Charades, Word Bingo, or Four Corners to match your students' learning styles and classroom space. Variety keeps students engaged and supports diverse learners.
Create sets of cards: some with vocabulary words, others with their definitions. Mix them up to use for matching, drawing, or acting out during the game.
Demonstrate the game for your class, explaining the steps and goals. Clear instructions help all students participate confidently and learn effectively.
Group students as needed and encourage them to help each other. Collaboration builds understanding and makes vocabulary practice more enjoyable.
Key vocabulary words from The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane include terms like torso, jaunty, condescending, diligence, derogatory, cavalierly, jovially, blithely, umbrage, discerning, daft, tremulous, rancid, ferocity, hobo, irony, mocked, vain, contrarian, and antique. These words help students build comprehension and enrich their vocabulary.
Teachers can support vocabulary learning by having students define and illustrate each key term, discuss meanings in groups, and create visual vocabulary boards. Previewing terms before reading or reviewing them after a chapter also boosts understanding and retention.
A visual vocabulary board activity asks students to choose important terms from the book, write their definitions, and create illustrations that show each word’s meaning. This hands-on approach helps deepen comprehension and supports visual learners.
Previewing vocabulary before reading helps students understand the story better and improves overall comprehension. It allows them to recognize and remember new words, making the reading experience smoother and more meaningful.
To engage 4th and 5th graders, use interactive activities like drawing, group discussions, and storyboards. Encourage students to act out terms, connect words to their lives, and collaborate with partners for creativity and fun.