Activity Overview
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary found in the book Amina's Voice by Hena Khan. Students will create a spider map of 3-5 terms at the teachers discretion. Each cell will contain a term or allusion, its definition or description, and an appropriate illustration.
Examples of Vocabulary from Amina's Voice
arrogant: having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities.
arson: the criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property.
backbiting: malicious talk about someone who is not present.
graffiti: writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place.
imam: In Arabic, imām means “leader” and “model”, and is one who leads Muslim worshippers in prayer. An imam is used to refer to the head of the Muslim community.
impostor: a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others, especially for fraudulent gain.
interfaith: relating to or between different religions or members of different religions.
mosque: a Muslim place of worship.
orientation: a program of introduction for newcomers to a class, school, or college.
pioneer: a person who is among the first to explore or settle a new country or area.
Quran: The Quran, also Qur'an or Koran, is the main religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be a revelation from God to the prophet Muhammad. It is widely regarded as the finest work in classical Arabic literature. It is organized in 114 chapters of verse called suras.
Ramadan: Ramadan, also spelled Ramazan, Ramzan, Ramadhan, or Ramathan, is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.
Urdu: The official language of Pakistan, and is also widely used in India and elsewhere.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map that defines and illustrates key vocabulary from Amina's Voice.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the vocabulary terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition or description of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: Must have 3 vocabulary terms, correct definitions or descriptions, and appropriate illustrations for each that demonstrate your understanding of the words.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | The definition is correct. | The definition is partially correct. | The definition is incorrect. |
| Visualizations | The storyboard cells clearly illustrate the meaning of the vocabulary words. | The storyboard cells relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words, but are difficult to understand. | The storyboard cells do not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words. |
Activity Overview
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary found in the book Amina's Voice by Hena Khan. Students will create a spider map of 3-5 terms at the teachers discretion. Each cell will contain a term or allusion, its definition or description, and an appropriate illustration.
Examples of Vocabulary from Amina's Voice
arrogant: having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities.
arson: the criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property.
backbiting: malicious talk about someone who is not present.
graffiti: writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place.
imam: In Arabic, imām means “leader” and “model”, and is one who leads Muslim worshippers in prayer. An imam is used to refer to the head of the Muslim community.
impostor: a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others, especially for fraudulent gain.
interfaith: relating to or between different religions or members of different religions.
mosque: a Muslim place of worship.
orientation: a program of introduction for newcomers to a class, school, or college.
pioneer: a person who is among the first to explore or settle a new country or area.
Quran: The Quran, also Qur'an or Koran, is the main religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be a revelation from God to the prophet Muhammad. It is widely regarded as the finest work in classical Arabic literature. It is organized in 114 chapters of verse called suras.
Ramadan: Ramadan, also spelled Ramazan, Ramzan, Ramadhan, or Ramathan, is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.
Urdu: The official language of Pakistan, and is also widely used in India and elsewhere.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map that defines and illustrates key vocabulary from Amina's Voice.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the vocabulary terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition or description of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: Must have 3 vocabulary terms, correct definitions or descriptions, and appropriate illustrations for each that demonstrate your understanding of the words.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | The definition is correct. | The definition is partially correct. | The definition is incorrect. |
| Visualizations | The storyboard cells clearly illustrate the meaning of the vocabulary words. | The storyboard cells relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words, but are difficult to understand. | The storyboard cells do not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words. |
How Tos about Vocabulary and Allusions in Amina\'s Voice
Incorporate vocabulary games to reinforce key terms from Amina’s Voice
Engaging students with interactive vocabulary games helps them retain and understand important words from the novel. Games make learning fun and encourage active participation, allowing students to use new terms in various contexts.
Choose a game format that matches your class’s needs
Select from options like Vocabulary Bingo, Charades, or Matching Cards. Think about your students’ energy levels, group size, and learning styles to ensure everyone can participate and benefit.
Prepare word cards with terms and definitions from the book
Create cards that display the vocabulary word on one side and the definition (or an illustration) on the other. Use these cards for matching games, sorting activities, or quick review drills throughout your unit.
Divide students into small groups to play the game
Working in small groups encourages collaboration and peer learning. Assign roles or rotate responsibilities to give everyone a chance to participate and reinforce their understanding of the terms.
Review and discuss answers to build deeper understanding
After playing, gather the class to go over each term and its meaning. Encourage students to use the words in sentences or relate them to the story. This reflection helps solidify their knowledge and connect vocabulary to the novel’s themes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vocabulary and Allusions in Amina\'s Voice
What are some key vocabulary words in Amina's Voice?
Amina's Voice features important vocabulary such as arrogant, arson, imam, impostor, mosque, Quran, Ramadan, and Urdu. Teaching these terms helps students understand the book's themes and context.
How can I teach vocabulary from Amina's Voice in a fun, visual way?
Use a spider map or storyboard activity where students define each word and create an illustration. This hands-on approach boosts comprehension and retention, making vocabulary more engaging for grades 6–8.
What is a storyboard or spider map for vocabulary lessons?
A storyboard or spider map is a graphic organizer. Students choose vocabulary terms, write definitions, and draw related illustrations in separate cells, visually connecting words to their meanings.
Why is teaching allusions and cultural terms in Amina's Voice important?
Teaching allusions and cultural terms helps students build background knowledge, appreciate diversity, and fully understand the characters and themes in Amina's Voice.
What are step-by-step instructions for a visual vocabulary board assignment?
1. Click "Start Assignment." 2. Choose 3–5 vocabulary terms. 3. Write each definition in a title or description box. 4. Illustrate each term with a relevant scene. 5. Submit your completed spider map for review.
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Amina's Voice
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