Activity Overview
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary that students will see in their reading aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary related to Elijah of Buxton
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 Elijah of Buxton
- conjure
- shackles
- scallywags
- haint
- paddy rollers
- abolitionists
- slavers
- plantation
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 Elijah of Buxton.
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 To Help Students Analyze the Figurative and Connotative Meanings of Words Used in a Text
Define Basic Definitions and Introductions
Make sure that students comprehend the fundamentals of personification, metaphor, simile, and other figurative language, as well as connotation, which refers to a word's emotional or cultural connotations. Teachers can provide students with easy definitions which can help them understand the concepts in an easier way.
Give Some Examples
Provide precise instances of connotative terms and metaphorical language. Ask the students to recognize the figurative components in texts they are more familiar with such as a sample reading text. Teachers can also ask the students to provide some examples to assess their knowledge and understanding of the topic so far.
Examine Context
Assign the students the task of looking for hints about a word's meaning in the surrounding text. When a term is being used literally or metaphorically, the context frequently gives clues. Teachers can also improve these analysis skills of students by frequently giving them practice texts and asking the students to develop a habit of identifying the meaning of a word with the help of surrounding text.
Conduct Comparative Analysis
Students should compare and contrast terms that have diverse connotations but similar denotative meanings. Talk about how these differences affect the text's overall message or tone. Provide the students with the task of using similar words with diverse connotations in different sentences and contexts.
Use Interactive Activities
Teachers can use interactive activities to help the students understand the meanings of the words in every context. For instance, playing games such as word association or word charades, and making visual vocabulary boards to demonstrate the meaning and usage of the word in different contexts. Encourage the students to reflect on these activities and gather more meaningful insights while performing them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vocabulary and Related Activities for “Elijah of Buxton”
How can making vocabulary boards contribute to a better understanding of the narrative?
Making vocabulary boards before or after reading the lesson will help the students gather all complex vocabulary words in one place and even make connections with other words and phrases to identify their significance. When students understand the meaning of complex terms, their overall understanding of the narrative will improve and they will be able to comprehend the text better.
How does the book’s use of vocabulary relate to its overarching themes of bravery, identity, and freedom?
The terms "freedom," "identity," and "courage" are deliberately employed in vocabulary to support these main ideas. The novel's main themes are emphasized by the use of these terms repeatedly. Students can also focus on the use of vocabulary to analyze themes and central ideas present in the narrative.
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