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 From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks.
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 From the Desk of Zoe Washington
- Systemic Racism
- Fondant
- Intern
- Witness
- Alibi
- Innocence Project
- Prosecutor
- Testimony
- Convicted
- Appeal
- Suspect
- Nonprofit
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 new vocabulary from From the Desk of Zoe Washington.
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 From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks.
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 From the Desk of Zoe Washington
- Systemic Racism
- Fondant
- Intern
- Witness
- Alibi
- Innocence Project
- Prosecutor
- Testimony
- Convicted
- Appeal
- Suspect
- Nonprofit
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 new vocabulary from From the Desk of Zoe Washington.
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 From the Desk of Zoe Washington Visual Vocabulary
How to Facilitate Meaningful Vocabulary Discussions in Small Groups
Engage students by dividing them into small groups and assigning each group a set of vocabulary words. Encourage discussion about word meanings, examples from the book, and connections to real life. This approach helps students deepen understanding through peer interaction and active participation.
Assign roles for collaborative learning
Designate roles such as definition leader, illustrator, and connector so each student has a specific task. This keeps everyone engaged and ensures accountability within the group.
Guide students to use context clues
Prompt students to find and discuss sentences from the text that use their assigned vocabulary. Analyzing context helps clarify meaning and shows how words are used in authentic settings.
Encourage connections to personal experience
Ask students to share times they've encountered or could use the vocabulary in their own lives. Making personal connections increases relevance and boosts retention.
Wrap up with a group share and reflection
Have each group present their words and findings to the class, then reflect on which strategies helped them learn best. Sharing out reinforces learning and builds confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions about From the Desk of Zoe Washington Visual Vocabulary
What is a visual vocabulary activity for From the Desk of Zoe Washington?
A visual vocabulary activity for From the Desk of Zoe Washington involves students defining and illustrating key terms from the novel using storyboards. This helps them understand and remember important concepts as they read.
How can I teach vocabulary from From the Desk of Zoe Washington to grades 4–6?
To teach vocabulary from From the Desk of Zoe Washington to grades 4–6, have students preview selected terms, discuss meanings as a class or in groups, and then create illustrated definitions using visual organizers like spider maps or storyboard assignments.
What are some key vocabulary words from From the Desk of Zoe Washington?
Key vocabulary words include systemic racism, fondant, intern, witness, alibi, Innocence Project, prosecutor, testimony, convicted, appeal, suspect, and nonprofit.
What is the best way to assess vocabulary understanding in From the Desk of Zoe Washington?
The best way to assess vocabulary understanding is to have students create illustrated definitions for each term and discuss their meanings in groups or as a class, either at the start or end of each chapter.
How do storyboards help students learn new vocabulary?
Storyboards help students learn new vocabulary by allowing them to visualize word meanings, reinforce comprehension, and apply terms in creative contexts, improving retention and mastery.
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From the Desk of Zoe Washington
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