Tops and Bottoms Visual Vocabulary Activity

Activity Overview

Another great way to engage your students is by creating a storyboard that uses vocabulary from the Tops and Bottoms book.

In this activity, students demonstrate their understanding of vocabulary words using sentences and corresponding images. Students may be provided the vocabulary words, or they can use words that they have discovered through their reading of the text. The sentences and images validate the understanding of the word and the context that it was used in the novel.

Here are some ways to help your students find the meaning of the vocabulary words they choose:

Use context clues; sometimes you can figure out the meaning of a word by reading the sentences that come before and after the unknown word.
The author may tell the definition of the word right in the same sentence, or in the following sentence.
Picture clues may help define an unknown word.
Look at the unknown word, and look for parts you may know. Sometimes a new ending or beginning has been added or changed.
Use a dictionary or glossary.

Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the story and an example of a visual vocabulary board.

Wealth

(n.) An abundance of valuable possessions or money

Example: ”His father had been a hard worker and a smart business bear, and he had given all of his wealth to his son."

Scowl:

(n.) An angry or bad-tempered expression

Example: ”Bear looked at his pile and scowled."

Harvest:

(v./n.) The process or period of gathering in crops

Example: ”When it was time for the harvest, Hare called out, ‘Wake up, Bear! You get the tops and I get the bottoms.’"

Other vocabulary words that could be used include:

Debt, profit, business partners, cheated, clever, lazy, and crops

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Template and Class Instructions

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Student Instructions

Demonstrate your understanding of the vocabulary words in Tops and Bottoms by creating visualizations.

Choose three vocabulary words from the story and type them in the title boxes.
Find the definition in a print or online dictionary.
Write a sentence that uses the vocabulary word.
Illustrate the meaning of the word in the cell using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.

Alternatively, use Photos for Class to show the meaning of the words with the search bar.

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 2-3

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual or Partner

Type of Activity: Visual Vocabulary Boards

Common Core Standards

[ELA-Literacy/RL/3/4] Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, distinguishing literal from nonliteral language.

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Rubric

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Visual Vocabulary Assignment

Define, illustrate, and give an example sentence for any three vocabulary words.

	Proficient	Emerging	Beginning
Word 1 - Sentence	Vocabulary word is used correctly in the example sentence in both meaning and context.	The meaning of the sentence can be understood, but the vocabulary word is used awkwardly or in the wrong context.	The vocabulary word is not used correctly in the example sentence.
Word 1 - Visualization	The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word.	The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand.	The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word.
Word 2 - Sentence	Vocabulary word is used correctly in the example sentence in both meaning and context.	The meaning of the sentence can be understood, but the vocabulary word is used awkwardly or in the wrong context.	The vocabulary word is not used correctly in the example sentence.
Word 2 - Visualization	The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word.	The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand.	The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word.
Word 3 - Sentence	Vocabulary word is used correctly in the example sentence in both meaning and context.	The meaning of the sentence can be understood, but the vocabulary word is used awkwardly or in the wrong context.	The vocabulary word is not used correctly in the example sentence.
Word 3 - Visualization	The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word.	The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand.	The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word.