Activity Overview
When students read, they will often encounter new vocabulary they don't know! Sometimes they can figure out the meaning from context, and other times they might not. A great way to engage students with new vocabulary is by having them create a visual vocabulary board to illustrate and define new words.
Example Vocabulary Words From The Giver
- intrigued
- palpable
- chastisement
- petulant
- chortle
- interdependence
- reluctant
- exuberant
- transgression
- meticulous
- scrupulous
- indolence
- prohibited
- compel
- diminish
- deft
- exhilarating
- quizzically
- admonition
- assimilate
In the vocabulary board students can choose between coming up with their use of the vocabulary board, finding the specific example from the text, or depicting it without words.
Template and Class Instructions
(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 The Giver 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.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| 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. |
How to Teach Vocabulary in an Elementary Classroom
Have Students Choose a Personal Vocabulary List
Students can get overwhelmed with large vocabulary lists or bored if they feel like they already know all the words. Help each student to choose a list of five words from The Giver. This will help them feel empowered without overwhelming or boring them.
Help Them Find Context Clues
One aspect of vocabulary that tends to be difficult for students is finding context clues. As you work with students individually, assist them in finding context clues for their chosen words.
Draw or Write Descriptions of the Words
Students will cement the meanings of vocabulary words more easily if they need to draw or describe them. This gives students more personal responsibility for learning the words Use a template or storyboard to help them.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Giver Visual Vocabulary
What is vocabulary in context?
As students read a novel like The Giver, they are able to learn their vocabulary words in context. This means that students will use the rest of the words in the sentence to help them figure out what the new word means. This is a powerful, textual way to learn vocabulary.
Why is understanding vocabulary important in reading a story?
Students get discouraged as readers when they don't understand the vocabulary they are encountering in a text. It is important they they understand or can figure out most of the words so that they understand the story and also are able to broaden their personal vocabulary.
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