As students continue to read, they'll come across vocabulary that is unfamiliar to them. A great way to engage students with new words is to have them create visual vocabulary boards for The Third Wish. A Frayer Model can help expand on an important and complex word or phrase that is integral to the work being read.
For example, an essential vocabulary word is extricate. Mr. Peters must extricate a swan from a bush after the swan gets tangled in the thorns. It is important for students to be able to distinguish extricate from contrary ideas, like attach or combine.
Other key vocabulary words are: composure, presumptuous, rash, remote, and malicious. Students may also choose their own words for this assignment!
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a Frayer Model for one of the vocabulary words from The Third Wish.
Display key vocabulary words and definitions on a dedicated wall or board. Encourage students to contribute illustrated cards, synonyms, and book quotes for each word. This helps reinforce learning and builds a visual reference for everyone!
Preview important words by sharing them and their meanings with students before diving into the story. Discuss how these words might connect to the plot or characters. This sets students up for success as they encounter the words in context.
Demonstrate how to find meaning by examining nearby sentences and story events. Think aloud as you read, showing students how you figure out a tricky word without a dictionary. This builds students’ independent reading skills.
Assign short creative tasks where students write sentences or a mini-story using vocabulary from The Third Wish. Praise inventive uses and help correct mistakes gently. Writing with new words deepens understanding and retention.
Play activities like vocabulary bingo, charades, or matching games using the words from the story. Keep it fast-paced and fun to boost recall and keep students engaged!
A Frayer Model is a graphic organizer that helps students understand new vocabulary by breaking down a word into its definition, examples, non-examples, and a visual representation. Using this model with The Third Wish deepens comprehension and makes learning new words more engaging.
To create a visual vocabulary board for The Third Wish, pick a key word, find its definition, illustrate its meaning, provide examples from the story, and include both examples and non-examples. Digital tools like Photos for Class can help you find images for your board.
Key vocabulary words in The Third Wish include extricate, composure, presumptuous, rash, remote, and malicious. Students can also choose words they find challenging or interesting from the story.
Understanding both the meaning and the opposite of a word—like extricate versus attach—helps students develop stronger vocabulary skills, critical thinking, and deeper comprehension of the text.
Encourage students to use graphic organizers like the Frayer Model, integrate artwork or digital images, use quotes from the text for context, and allow students choice in word selection. These strategies make vocabulary lessons interactive and meaningful for grades 6-8.