Activity Overview
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary that students will see in their readings or presentations aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary related to Calico Girl by Jerdine Nolen.
Students will preview the terms and definitions and use whole class or small group discussion to demonstrate their understanding of each meaning. This can be done at the beginning of each chapter so that students can preview what they will read or teachers could decide to do at the end of a chapter as an assessment. When students define and illustrate each term, they master the application of it and retain it as part of their lexicon.
Examples of Vocabulary from Calico Girl:
- Conduct
- Convenience
- Disoriented
- Calico cloth
- Taffeta
- Sacrifice
- The Southern Confederacy
- The Northern Union
- Bombardment
- Ratified
- Debts
- Freedman
- Secede
- Consent
- Contraband Law
- Fortress
- Fort Monroe
- Big Dipper
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 visual vocabulary board that defines and illustrates new vocabulary from Calico Girl.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the key terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements: Must have 3 terms, correct definitions, 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 that students will see in their readings or presentations aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary related to Calico Girl by Jerdine Nolen.
Students will preview the terms and definitions and use whole class or small group discussion to demonstrate their understanding of each meaning. This can be done at the beginning of each chapter so that students can preview what they will read or teachers could decide to do at the end of a chapter as an assessment. When students define and illustrate each term, they master the application of it and retain it as part of their lexicon.
Examples of Vocabulary from Calico Girl:
- Conduct
- Convenience
- Disoriented
- Calico cloth
- Taffeta
- Sacrifice
- The Southern Confederacy
- The Northern Union
- Bombardment
- Ratified
- Debts
- Freedman
- Secede
- Consent
- Contraband Law
- Fortress
- Fort Monroe
- Big Dipper
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 visual vocabulary board that defines and illustrates new vocabulary from Calico Girl.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the key terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements: Must have 3 terms, correct definitions, 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 Illustrating Vocabulary in Calico Girl
Organize vocabulary review games for lasting retention
Engage students in interactive games using Calico Girl vocabulary to reinforce learning and make review sessions fun. Games like vocabulary bingo, charades, or matching cards help students practice and remember words in a lively, collaborative setting.
Select key vocabulary terms that matter most
Pick essential words from each chapter that will support comprehension and connect to the story’s themes. Focus on terms students are likely to see again in future readings or discussions.
Explain and model each word with examples
Demonstrate the meaning of each vocabulary term using real-life examples, sentences, or analogies. Modeling helps students relate new words to their experiences and builds confidence to use them independently.
Facilitate small group discussions for word exploration
Encourage students to discuss vocabulary in pairs or small groups. This promotes peer teaching and allows students to clarify understanding before creating their illustrations.
Assess understanding with creative vocabulary challenges
Use quick checks like exit tickets or drawing prompts to see if students can use and explain vocabulary in new contexts. Creative assessments keep students engaged and help you monitor progress at a glance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Illustrating Vocabulary in Calico Girl
What is a visual vocabulary board for Calico Girl?
A visual vocabulary board for Calico Girl is an activity where students define and illustrate key terms from the novel. This helps students deepen their understanding by connecting definitions with images, making vocabulary more memorable.
How can I help students illustrate and define vocabulary from Calico Girl?
To help students illustrate and define vocabulary from Calico Girl, introduce the terms before or after reading a chapter, discuss definitions together, and have students create storyboards with drawings that represent each word’s meaning.
What are some examples of key vocabulary from Calico Girl by Jerdine Nolen?
Examples of key vocabulary from Calico Girl include: conduct, taffeta, sacrifice, The Southern Confederacy, freedman, secede, contraband, and Fort Monroe. These terms help students understand the historical context and themes of the story.
Why is illustrating vocabulary important for student comprehension?
Illustrating vocabulary supports student comprehension by engaging multiple senses. Drawing scenes or items related to new words helps students remember definitions and apply them in context, which improves long-term retention.
What is an easy way to assess student understanding of vocabulary in Calico Girl?
An easy assessment method is to have students create visual vocabulary boards at the end of each chapter. Review their definitions and illustrations to check for accuracy and depth of understanding.
More Storyboard That Activities
Calico Girl
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
