Activity Overview
Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary from the story. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the story, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
Example Vocabulary Words from "If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth…"
- ozone
- vacuum
- exile
- phosphorescence
- pilgrimage
- ramparts
- purge
- scintillating
- steadfast
- cairn
- squat
- crepitation
- ruinous
- discern
- anguish
- pyre
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 "If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth…" 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
Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary from the story. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the story, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
Example Vocabulary Words from "If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth…"
- ozone
- vacuum
- exile
- phosphorescence
- pilgrimage
- ramparts
- purge
- scintillating
- steadfast
- cairn
- squat
- crepitation
- ruinous
- discern
- anguish
- pyre
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 "If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth…" 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 \"If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth…\" Vocabulary
Organize a Classroom Vocabulary Challenge for Deeper Engagement
Motivate students by introducing a friendly competition where teams earn points for using vocabulary words in context, fostering active participation and reinforcing retention.
Divide the class into small teams
Create groups of 3–4 students to encourage collaboration and peer learning during the vocabulary challenge.
List the vocabulary words on the board
Display the selected vocabulary words so all students can easily reference them during activities, boosting word recognition.
Set challenge rules and scoring criteria
Clarify how teams earn points—for example, by correctly defining words, using them in sentences, or illustrating meanings—to ensure fair play and engagement.
Run timed rounds with different tasks
Rotate through quick rounds where teams complete tasks like sentence creation, drawing, or acting out vocabulary, making learning dynamic and fun.
Announce winners and reflect on new words
Celebrate team achievements and discuss how students can use these words in future assignments, reinforcing long-term vocabulary acquisition.
Frequently Asked Questions about \"If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth…\" Vocabulary
What is a visual vocabulary board for "If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth…"?
A visual vocabulary board for "If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth…" is an activity where students select vocabulary words from the story, define them, use them in sentences, and create illustrations to demonstrate their meaning. This helps reinforce understanding through both words and images.
How can I teach vocabulary from "If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth…" in an engaging way?
Engage students by having them create storyboards that pair vocabulary words with definitions, example sentences, and illustrations. This interactive method encourages deeper comprehension and creativity.
What are some key vocabulary words in "If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth…"?
Key vocabulary words include ozone, vacuum, exile, phosphorescence, scintillating, ramparts, and pyre. These terms help students understand the story's themes and setting.
What steps should students follow to complete a visual vocabulary activity for this story?
Students should: 1) Choose three vocabulary words, 2) Find and write definitions, 3) Use each word in a sentence, and 4) Illustrate the meaning of each word using scenes, characters, or images.
Why use visual vocabulary boards for teaching literature in grades 9-10?
Visual vocabulary boards help students in grades 9-10 make connections between words and concepts, support multiple learning styles, and deepen comprehension by combining text with imagery.
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