Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary from The Tragedy of Richard III. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the play, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
(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 Richard III by creating visualizations.
Boost student engagement by organizing a lively vocabulary game that reinforces understanding of key Shakespearean terms. Interactive games make abstract words memorable and fun!
Pick 5–10 challenging words from Richard III that students need to practice. This targets their learning and ensures the game stays focused and manageable.
Write simple definitions and a sample sentence for each word. This helps students quickly grasp meanings and see the words in context.
Divide your class into groups of 3–4. Team play encourages collaboration and gives all students a chance to participate and learn together.
Have teams match words to definitions, or act out meanings in a charades-style format. This active approach deepens understanding and keeps energy levels high.
Go over the correct answers together, clarifying any confusion. Discussion ensures everyone leaves with a strong grasp of the vocabulary.
A visual vocabulary board for Shakespeare's Richard III is an activity where students select key words from the play, define them, use each in a sentence, and illustrate their meanings using drawings or images. This technique helps students connect new vocabulary with visual cues for better retention.
To teach Shakespearean vocabulary to high school students, use activities like creating visual vocabulary boards, having students write sentences with new words, and encouraging them to illustrate or act out word meanings. These interactive methods make challenging terms more accessible and memorable.
Some common vocabulary words from Richard III include discontent (dissatisfaction), tyranny (oppressive rule), dissemble (to conceal), palpable (easily seen or felt), and prosperous (successful). Teaching these words helps students better understand the play's language.
The best way to help students visualize Shakespearean vocabulary is through creative activities like drawing scenes, making storyboards, or using online images that represent the words' meanings. Visualizing terms reinforces understanding and supports different learning styles.
Storyboards can reinforce vocabulary learning by having students pair definitions and sample sentences with illustrations or images. This process encourages deeper comprehension and helps students remember new terms by linking words with visual representations.