Activity Overview
When students read, they'll often come across vocabulary they're unfamiliar with. A great way to engage students with these new words is to have them create a storyboard that uses words from the story in a vocabulary board. Many students struggle with the meaning of common terms; getting them to use them in context before reading is an excellent way to cultivate the vocabulary comprehension.
Example Vocabulary Words from Death of a Salesman
- obstreperous
- raucous
- gist
- anguish
- enthrall
- dormer
- jovial
- mercurial
- insinuate
- crestfallen
- anemic
- turbulent
- laconic
- saccharine
- carte blanche
- befuddled
- idyllic
- elegiac
- implacable
- seething
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 Death of a Salesman by defining and creating visualizations of the word.
- 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
When students read, they'll often come across vocabulary they're unfamiliar with. A great way to engage students with these new words is to have them create a storyboard that uses words from the story in a vocabulary board. Many students struggle with the meaning of common terms; getting them to use them in context before reading is an excellent way to cultivate the vocabulary comprehension.
Example Vocabulary Words from Death of a Salesman
- obstreperous
- raucous
- gist
- anguish
- enthrall
- dormer
- jovial
- mercurial
- insinuate
- crestfallen
- anemic
- turbulent
- laconic
- saccharine
- carte blanche
- befuddled
- idyllic
- elegiac
- implacable
- seething
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 Death of a Salesman by defining and creating visualizations of the word.
- 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 Death of a Salesman Vocabulary Lesson Plan
Integrate vocabulary games to boost student engagement
Gamify learning by incorporating vocabulary games like Bingo, Charades, or Pictionary to make reviewing words fun and interactive. These activities encourage participation and help reinforce word meanings in a memorable way.
Assign students to create context-rich sentences
Challenge students to write sentences that show each vocabulary word in action. Encourage creativity and provide feedback to ensure they grasp the nuanced meaning of each term.
Encourage peer teaching through word presentations
Have students work in pairs or small groups to teach a vocabulary word to their classmates. Presentations can include definitions, example sentences, and illustrations to enhance understanding for everyone.
Use real-life connections to deepen comprehension
Ask students to relate each vocabulary word to their own lives or current events. Making personal connections helps students remember and internalize new vocabulary.
Frequently Asked Questions about Death of a Salesman Vocabulary Lesson Plan
What is a vocabulary storyboard activity for Death of a Salesman?
A vocabulary storyboard activity for Death of a Salesman asks students to select unfamiliar words from the play, define them, use them in sentences, and illustrate their meanings with visuals. This helps students build comprehension by connecting terms to context and imagery.
How can I teach challenging vocabulary from Death of a Salesman to high school students?
To teach challenging vocabulary, encourage students to define key terms, use them in original sentences, and create visual representations like storyboards. This interactive method reinforces understanding and retention, especially for complex words found in the play.
What are some effective strategies for engaging students with new vocabulary before reading Death of a Salesman?
Effective strategies include having students preview vocabulary through interactive boards, group activities, and visualizations. Using words in context and relating them to the story's themes prepares students for deeper comprehension during reading.
Can you provide examples of vocabulary words from Death of a Salesman?
Examples of vocabulary words from Death of a Salesman include obstreperous, raucous, anguish, jovial, mercurial, laconic, and befuddled. These terms help students understand character emotions and themes in the play.
What is the best way to assess student understanding of vocabulary in Death of a Salesman?
The best way to assess understanding is to have students define words, use them in sentences, and create visual or written examples. Reviewing these storyboards or activities allows teachers to gauge comprehension and correct misconceptions.
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