Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary from Their Eyes Were Watching God. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the novel, 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 Their Eyes Were Watching God by creating visualizations.
Clarify what makes an effective visual vocabulary board by showing specific examples and discussing key elements like accuracy, creativity, and connection to the novel. This helps students understand your grading criteria and encourages meaningful engagement.
Demonstrate how to select a word, find its definition, create a sentence, and design a visual representation using a think-aloud. This makes the process transparent and reduces confusion for all learners.
Encourage students to work in pairs or small groups to discuss possible illustrations and sentence ideas for their chosen words. Collaboration boosts creativity and helps students deepen understanding through peer feedback.
Guide students in using online tools like Photos for Class, Canva, or Google Slides to create or enhance their visuals. Technology can make vocabulary boards more engaging and accessible for diverse learners.
Display finished boards in the classroom or a digital gallery, then facilitate a brief class discussion where students reflect on what they learned. Sharing work builds confidence and reinforces vocabulary retention.
A visual vocabulary board for Their Eyes Were Watching God is a creative activity where students illustrate key vocabulary words from the novel using images, scenes, and example sentences. This helps deepen understanding by connecting words to visual representations and context from the story.
Engage students by having them create storyboards that visually represent vocabulary words, write original sentences, and use online image searches or illustrations to show meaning. This approach reinforces word retention and connects language to the novel's themes.
Common vocabulary words include horizon, resignation, saunter, coquetry, eulogy, resilient, pugnaciously, usurper, scimitars, and fetid. These words help students understand the language and context of the novel.
Students should: 1) Select three vocabulary words, 2) Find and write their definitions, 3) Create original sentences, and 4) Illustrate each word using drawings or relevant photos to demonstrate understanding.
Visual vocabulary activities boost comprehension, promote creativity, and make abstract words more accessible. They support diverse learners by combining verbal and visual learning, especially in challenging texts like Their Eyes Were Watching God.