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 Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson.
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 Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson:
- Patriot
- Loyalist
- indenture
- providence
- insolence
- gangplank
- churn
- spinet
- fatigued
- betwixt
- beholden
- melancholy
- curtsy
- pestilent
- thrash
- domestic
- confuddled
- arsonists
- caterwauling
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 storyboard that defines and illustrates vocabulary found in Chains.
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 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definitions | The vocabulary words are correctly defined. | The meaning of the vocabulary words can be understood but it is somewhat unclear. | The vocabulary word is not clearly defined |
| Illustrations | The storyboard illustrations clearly depict the meaning of the vocabulary words. | The illustrations relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words but it they are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
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 Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson.
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 Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson:
- Patriot
- Loyalist
- indenture
- providence
- insolence
- gangplank
- churn
- spinet
- fatigued
- betwixt
- beholden
- melancholy
- curtsy
- pestilent
- thrash
- domestic
- confuddled
- arsonists
- caterwauling
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 storyboard that defines and illustrates vocabulary found in Chains.
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 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definitions | The vocabulary words are correctly defined. | The meaning of the vocabulary words can be understood but it is somewhat unclear. | The vocabulary word is not clearly defined |
| Illustrations | The storyboard illustrations clearly depict the meaning of the vocabulary words. | The illustrations relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words but it they are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Vocabulary in Chains
Organize a classroom vocabulary word wall
Set up a dedicated space on your wall for vocabulary terms and student illustrations. This helps students see and interact with new words daily, reinforcing learning through visual cues.
Assign student roles for maintaining the word wall
Rotate classroom jobs so students are responsible for adding new words, definitions, and images. Active participation boosts ownership and ongoing engagement with vocabulary.
Review words with interactive games
Incorporate quick games like ‘Vocabulary Bingo’ or ‘Guess the Word’ using terms from the wall. Gamifying review sessions keeps students motivated and reinforces word meanings in fun ways.
Connect vocabulary to personal experiences
Ask students to relate each new term to something in their own lives or current events. Personal connections deepen understanding and make vocabulary more memorable.
Celebrate vocabulary growth regularly
Highlight student progress with small celebrations, like a ‘Word Master’ certificate or sharing favorite words. Recognizing effort encourages continued enthusiasm for learning new vocabulary.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vocabulary in Chains
What is the Vocabulary in Chains activity for middle school students?
The Vocabulary in Chains activity asks students to create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key terms from Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson. This helps improve comprehension and retention by engaging students in both understanding and visualizing vocabulary.
How do I create a visual vocabulary board for Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson?
To create a visual vocabulary board for Chains, choose three vocabulary terms, write their definitions in the description boxes, and illustrate each term using relevant scenes or characters. Use the storyboard format, then save and submit your assignment as directed.
Why is starting a lesson with key vocabulary important for students?
Starting a lesson with key vocabulary helps students preview important terms they'll encounter, which boosts overall comprehension and aids in long-term retention. It also prepares students for upcoming readings and discussions.
What are some example vocabulary words from Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson?
Examples of vocabulary words from Chains include patriot, loyalist, indenture, providence, insolence, gangplank, churn, spinet, fatigued, betwixt, beholden, melancholy, curtsy, pestilent, thrash, domestic, confuddled, arsonists, and caterwauling.
Can the vocabulary storyboard activity be used as an assessment?
Yes, teachers can use the vocabulary storyboard activity as an assessment at the end of a chapter to check students' understanding of key terms, or as a preview before reading to build vocabulary knowledge.
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Chains
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