Activity Overview
In this activity, students can create vocabulary boards using the context clues from the book to depict their understanding of the words. They can also depict the meaning of the words without pictures or use the words in another context.
Choose from the list of vocabulary words below (all of which can be found in Dickens' A Christmas Carol). Use the storyboards to create a visual definition of the word.
A Christmas Carol Vocabulary
- implore
- morose
- humbug
- ponderous
- deliquesce
- covetous
- propriety
- facetious
- reconcile
- destitute
- sordid
- donned
- doffed
- bedlam
- meager
- threadbare
- apparition
- capacious
- misanthropic penitent
- recumbent
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 A Christmas Carol 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
- [ELA-Literacy/L/7/4] Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 7 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies
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 Optimize Vocabulary Usage
Recommend Reading
Reading a variety of texts, including novels, articles, essays, and even poetry, may expose the students to new words and phrases. Students may naturally expand their vocabulary by reading works from many authors and genres.
Encourage the Use of Thesaurus
Encourage the students to use a thesaurus to identify synonyms and antonyms of words. Thesauruses are helpful tools for word searching. Remind the students to not use any terms, though, that they don't completely understand. Make sure their choice of synonyms appropriately reflects the situation.
Give Writing Practice
Regular writing practice can help the students expand their vocabulary. To make sure the students comprehend the meanings of these terms, encourage them to employ these words in phrases. Teachers can give some interesting topics to write about.
Make Use of Analogies
Making comparisons between familiar terms and new ones might help the students recall their definitions and applications. This method aids in connecting unknown words to well-known ideas. Teachers can also turn this into an engaging game and promote critical thinking skills in students.
Engage in Conversations
Having interesting discussions exposes the students to a new language and a variety of linguistic idioms. Teachers can promote these discussions and conversations by arranging debates around topics and organizing proper class discussions.
Promote Vocabulary Journaling
Ask the students to keep a diary where they can keep track of new words they come across, their definitions, and sample sentences using them. Encourage the students to regularly review the journal for retention.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visual Vocabulary for A Christmas Carol
How does Dickens depict the scene to conjure up a feeling of place and time?
Dickens precisely captures the Christmas time scene in Victorian London. He depicts both the warmth and excitement of the festive season and the cold and harsh conditions of the city, giving a realistic background for the story's events. Since the story has elements of empathy and relationships with family, there is no better time than Christmas to bring out those feelings.
How does the story's visual language support its themes?
The "A Christmas Carol" visual language underlines themes like the importance of empathy, the harm caused by greed, and the possibility of human redemption. The realistic images of both filth and celebration serve to emphasize the value of compassion and charity.
What are a few instances of the novella's powerful visual descriptions?
Examples include how Marley's ghost is depicted as being bound by chains, how the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is described as a dreadful apparition shrouded in darkness, and how Scrooge's surroundings change as he moves down his spiritual path.
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