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 Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo. Students will create a spider map of 3-5 terms at the teachers discretion. Each cell will contain a word, its definition or description, and an appropriate illustration. 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 spider map that illustrates and defines new vocabulary in The Tiger Rising.
Student Instructions:
Requirements: Must have 3 terms, correct definitions, and appropriate illustrations for each that demonstrate your understanding of the words.
Engage students by organizing a fun vocabulary review game that reinforces key terms from The Tiger Rising. Games boost participation and help students retain new words through active learning.
Choose 8–10 essential vocabulary words from your current lesson or unit. Focusing on the most challenging or frequently used terms maximizes the impact of your review session.
Create flashcards, bingo boards, or a matching sheet featuring the selected vocabulary and their definitions. Visuals or clues can make the activity more engaging and accessible for all learners.
Introduce the game by clearly stating the rules and demonstrating an example round. Modeling expectations ensures students understand how to play and what is required for success.
Lead the class through the game, offering hints or support as needed. Encourage teamwork and positive reinforcement to keep students motivated and focused on learning.
Go over each word after the game, clarifying definitions and addressing any misunderstandings. Reinforcing correct usage helps students remember and apply vocabulary in future assignments.
A visual vocabulary board for The Tiger Rising is a graphic organizer where students define and illustrate key terms from the novel, helping them understand and remember vocabulary through both words and images.
To create a vocabulary storyboard, choose 3-5 important words from The Tiger Rising, write their definitions, and draw an illustration for each term. Use a spider map format to organize your work visually.
Introducing key vocabulary before reading helps students better understand and retain the story, making it easier to follow plot details and themes in The Tiger Rising.
Examples of vocabulary words from The Tiger Rising include: abiding, billow, buoyed, contagious, defiantly, dismayed, emancipators, fervently, gratitude, and gravelly, among others.
The best way for middle school students to master novel vocabulary is by defining each term, illustrating it, and using it in context, such as through activities like visual vocabulary boards or spider maps.