Activity Overview
Learning new vocabulary is an important part of reading any story. Often, new words in an unfamiliar context need to be mastered before a student can understand what’s happening in a story. This is especially important when the story is set in a different time or different country and many words or context is quite unlike what students know.
After choosing a word, students provide a definition and an image or scene that illustrates the word. Students may be provided the vocabulary words, or they can use words that they have discovered through their own reading of the text.
"Ghost of the Lagoon" Vocabulary Words
- lagoon
- pandanus
- vulnerable
- reef
- harpoon
- expedition
- phosphorus
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 "Ghost of the Lagoon" by creating visualizations.
- 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
Learning new vocabulary is an important part of reading any story. Often, new words in an unfamiliar context need to be mastered before a student can understand what’s happening in a story. This is especially important when the story is set in a different time or different country and many words or context is quite unlike what students know.
After choosing a word, students provide a definition and an image or scene that illustrates the word. Students may be provided the vocabulary words, or they can use words that they have discovered through their own reading of the text.
"Ghost of the Lagoon" Vocabulary Words
- lagoon
- pandanus
- vulnerable
- reef
- harpoon
- expedition
- phosphorus
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 "Ghost of the Lagoon" by creating visualizations.
- 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 \"Ghost of the Lagoon\" Vocabulary Activity
Organize a class vocabulary word wall for ongoing learning
Build a visual vocabulary wall in your classroom where students can post new words, definitions, and illustrations from "Ghost of the Lagoon." This helps reinforce learning and encourages students to reference and add to the wall throughout the unit.
Assign student roles for maintaining the word wall
Rotate student responsibility for updating the word wall each week. This fosters ownership, teamwork, and consistent engagement with vocabulary words.
Incorporate interactive activities with the word wall
Engage students by having them play quick games like "Guess the Word" or "Word Charades" using the vocabulary wall. These activities make learning fun and help solidify understanding.
Connect vocabulary to students’ own experiences
Ask students to relate vocabulary words to their lives or local environment. This makes new words more meaningful and memorable.
Review and celebrate vocabulary progress regularly
Set aside time each week to review words on the wall, add new ones, and celebrate students’ creativity and effort. Positive reinforcement boosts confidence and motivation.
Frequently Asked Questions about \"Ghost of the Lagoon\" Vocabulary Activity
What is the 'Ghost of the Lagoon' vocabulary activity?
The 'Ghost of the Lagoon' vocabulary activity is a lesson where students select key words from the story, define them, use them in sentences, and create visual representations to deepen understanding of the story's language and context.
How can students effectively learn new vocabulary from 'Ghost of the Lagoon'?
Students can effectively learn new vocabulary by defining each word, using it in a sentence, and illustrating its meaning with drawings or images. This multimodal approach helps reinforce word comprehension and retention.
What are some example vocabulary words from 'Ghost of the Lagoon'?
Example vocabulary words from 'Ghost of the Lagoon' include lagoon, pandanus, vulnerable, reef, harpoon, expedition, and phosphorus.
What is a visual vocabulary board and how is it used in this lesson?
A visual vocabulary board is an activity where students display vocabulary words, their definitions, example sentences, and illustrations or images that represent each word. It helps connect words to meaning visually and contextually.
Why is visualizing vocabulary important for understanding stories set in different times or cultures?
Visualizing vocabulary helps students connect unfamiliar words to images and real-life scenarios, making it easier to grasp the story's setting and context, especially when it differs from their own experiences.
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