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. For this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates new vocabulary in Ella Enchanted.
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.
Example Vocabulary from Ella Enchanted
- Bestow
- Centaur
- Complacent
- Curtsied
- Desolate
- Docile
- Embroidery
- Enamored
- Gallantry
- Garnet
- Impertinence
- Inconsolably
- Indignant
- Lass
- Menagerie
- Obstinate
- Odious
- Rebel
- Resumed
- Solicitous
- Spectacle
- Stalwart
- Succumb
- Sustenance
- Tedium
- Token
- Undulating
- Venom
- Verso
- Voluminous
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 spider map that defines and illustrates the meaning of vocabulary from Ella Enchanted.
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.
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. For this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates new vocabulary in Ella Enchanted.
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.
Example Vocabulary from Ella Enchanted
- Bestow
- Centaur
- Complacent
- Curtsied
- Desolate
- Docile
- Embroidery
- Enamored
- Gallantry
- Garnet
- Impertinence
- Inconsolably
- Indignant
- Lass
- Menagerie
- Obstinate
- Odious
- Rebel
- Resumed
- Solicitous
- Spectacle
- Stalwart
- Succumb
- Sustenance
- Tedium
- Token
- Undulating
- Venom
- Verso
- Voluminous
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 spider map that defines and illustrates the meaning of vocabulary from Ella Enchanted.
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.
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 Vocabulary in Ella Enchanted
Organize a class vocabulary game to reinforce learning
Boost student engagement by turning vocabulary review into a fun challenge. Games make definitions stick and encourage teamwork while keeping students motivated to master new words.
Select key vocabulary words from your current lesson
Pick 8–12 important terms that students encountered in the latest reading. Focus on words critical for comprehension or those students found challenging during discussions.
Divide students into small groups and set clear rules
Assign students to teams of 3–4 and explain the game format (e.g., charades, Pictionary, or matching). Clear instructions ensure everyone understands how to play and what success looks like.
Prepare and distribute vocabulary cards or game materials
Create cards with vocabulary words on one side and definitions or illustrations on the other. Printable or digital cards allow for flexibility based on your classroom setup.
Facilitate the game and reinforce correct usage
Monitor group play, offering hints or clarifications as needed. Praise accurate definitions and creative use of words to reinforce learning and encourage participation.
Wrap up with a quick reflection or group discussion
Ask each group to share a word they found tricky or interesting. Reflecting together helps students connect vocabulary to the story and each other’s ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vocabulary in Ella Enchanted
What is a vocabulary storyboard activity for Ella Enchanted?
A vocabulary storyboard activity for Ella Enchanted involves students defining and illustrating key terms from the book, helping them understand and remember new vocabulary by pairing definitions with visual examples.
How do I teach Ella Enchanted vocabulary to 4th–6th graders?
To teach vocabulary from Ella Enchanted to 4th–6th graders, preview key terms before reading, use group discussions for meaning, and have students create illustrated definitions to reinforce understanding and retention.
Why is it helpful for students to illustrate vocabulary words?
Illustrating vocabulary words helps students connect definitions to visual images, making it easier to remember and apply new terms in context.
What are some key vocabulary words from Ella Enchanted to focus on?
Important vocabulary from Ella Enchanted includes: bestow, centaur, complacent, curtsied, desolate, docile, enamored, gallantry, impertinence, obstinate, rebel, stalwart, and venom, among others.
What is the best way to assess students’ understanding of Ella Enchanted vocabulary?
The best way to assess understanding is to have students define, illustrate, and discuss vocabulary terms, either at the start of each chapter for preview or at the end as a comprehension check.
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