Activity Overview
Amos and Boris is full of beautifully written, rich language that your students will love to discover. Many of the words are tier II or tier III words or phrases, so discovering the meaning of the word may be difficult for some students.
In this particular activity, students are able to demonstrate their understanding of vocabulary words using sentences and corresponding images. Students may be given the vocabulary words or can use words that they have discovered through reading of the text. They can also depict the meaning of the words without pictures or use the words in another context. Here is an example of a visual vocabulary board with words from the story.
Amos and Boris Vocabulary
- necessities
- immense
- loomed
- navigation
- iodine
- savage
- phosphorescent
- marvel
- luminous
- vast
- akin
- ambitions
- evaded
- immensely
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 Amos and Boris 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. |
Activity Overview
Amos and Boris is full of beautifully written, rich language that your students will love to discover. Many of the words are tier II or tier III words or phrases, so discovering the meaning of the word may be difficult for some students.
In this particular activity, students are able to demonstrate their understanding of vocabulary words using sentences and corresponding images. Students may be given the vocabulary words or can use words that they have discovered through reading of the text. They can also depict the meaning of the words without pictures or use the words in another context. Here is an example of a visual vocabulary board with words from the story.
Amos and Boris Vocabulary
- necessities
- immense
- loomed
- navigation
- iodine
- savage
- phosphorescent
- marvel
- luminous
- vast
- akin
- ambitions
- evaded
- immensely
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 Amos and Boris 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 Tos about Visual Vocabulary in Amos and Boris
Engage students with interactive vocabulary games for Amos and Boris
Interactive games make vocabulary learning fun and memorable for students. Incorporating play helps reinforce new words and encourages collaboration and friendly competition.
Select key vocabulary words for your game
Pick 5–10 challenging or important words from Amos and Boris. Choose words students might find difficult or that are central to the story's meaning.
Choose a game format that suits your class
Decide between options like Bingo, Memory Match, or Vocabulary Jeopardy. Select a format that matches your students’ age and engagement style.
Prepare materials with word definitions and examples
Create cards or slides with each vocabulary word and its definition or a sentence. Include visuals if possible to support comprehension.
Facilitate the game and encourage student participation
Guide students as they play. Prompt discussion about word meanings and invite students to share their own sentences or images for each word. Celebrate correct answers and creative thinking!
Frequently Asked Questions about Visual Vocabulary in Amos and Boris
What is a visual vocabulary board in Amos and Boris?
A visual vocabulary board is an activity where students select vocabulary words from the book Amos and Boris, define them, use each in a sentence, and illustrate their meanings with pictures or scenes. This helps deepen understanding by connecting words to images.
How can I teach vocabulary from Amos and Boris to 2nd or 3rd graders?
To teach Amos and Boris vocabulary to 2nd or 3rd graders, have students pick three new words from the story, look up their definitions, use them in sentences, and create drawings or find photos to show each word's meaning. This multi-step process supports both comprehension and creativity.
What are some challenging vocabulary words in Amos and Boris?
Some challenging vocabulary words in Amos and Boris include immense, navigation, phosphorescent, luminous, ambitions, and evaded. These words help expand students' academic language.
Why use visualizations to teach vocabulary from Amos and Boris?
Using visualizations helps students connect new vocabulary to real-life meaning. By drawing or finding images for words in Amos and Boris, students better remember definitions and can apply the words in different contexts.
What steps should students follow to create a visual vocabulary board for Amos and Boris?
Students should: 1) Choose three vocabulary words from Amos and Boris; 2) Find each word's definition; 3) Write a sentence for each; 4) Illustrate or find a photo representing each word’s meaning. This process builds vocabulary skills and deeper understanding.
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Amos and Boris
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