Activity Overview
Another great way to engage your students is creating a storyboard that uses vocabulary. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with Johnny Tremain and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
In the vocabulary board, students can choose between coming up with their own use of the vocabulary word, finding the specific example from the text, or depicting it without words.
Johnny Tremain Vocabulary Words
- apprentice
- chaise
- pompous
- artisan
- pious
- breeches
- gig
- wharf
- kin
- louse
- indolent
- nonchalant
- tallow
- florid
- seditious
- barracks
- gallows
- Whig
- Tory
- notorious
- scorn
- dawdle
- tyranny
- skirmish
- disconsolate
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 Johnny Tremain 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 creating a storyboard that uses vocabulary. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with Johnny Tremain and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
In the vocabulary board, students can choose between coming up with their own use of the vocabulary word, finding the specific example from the text, or depicting it without words.
Johnny Tremain Vocabulary Words
- apprentice
- chaise
- pompous
- artisan
- pious
- breeches
- gig
- wharf
- kin
- louse
- indolent
- nonchalant
- tallow
- florid
- seditious
- barracks
- gallows
- Whig
- Tory
- notorious
- scorn
- dawdle
- tyranny
- skirmish
- disconsolate
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 Johnny Tremain 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 Johnny Tremain Visual Vocabulary
How to Differentiate Visual Vocabulary Activities for Diverse Learners
Adapt visual vocabulary tasks to suit varied student needs by offering multiple ways to demonstrate understanding. Scaffold with sentence starters, provide word banks, or allow digital and hand-drawn illustrations so every learner can participate confidently.
Encourage student choice in vocabulary word selection
Invite students to pick vocabulary words that interest them or feel challenging. Empowering choice increases engagement and makes learning more meaningful.
Model creating a visual vocabulary board
Demonstrate by building an example board together, thinking aloud as you define words, write sentences, and select images. Visual modeling clarifies expectations and supports all learning styles.
Incorporate peer review for feedback
Pair students to exchange boards and provide constructive feedback on vocabulary use, sentence quality, and illustrations. Peer review builds communication skills and deepens understanding.
Display and celebrate student boards
Showcase finished boards in the classroom or digitally. Celebrating student work fosters pride and motivates continued effort with vocabulary activities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Johnny Tremain Visual Vocabulary
What is a Johnny Tremain visual vocabulary board?
A Johnny Tremain visual vocabulary board is an activity where students choose vocabulary words from the novel and illustrate their meanings using scenes, characters, or images. This helps students understand and remember the words in context.
How can I use visual vocabulary boards to teach Johnny Tremain vocabulary?
Visual vocabulary boards let students pick vocabulary words, find their definitions, write example sentences, and create illustrations or select photos that represent the word's meaning. This approach strengthens comprehension and engagement with the text.
What are some key vocabulary words from Johnny Tremain?
Common Johnny Tremain vocabulary words include apprentice, artisan, wharf, seditious, gallows, and tyranny. These words are often used to reinforce historical and literary terms in the story.
Why is visual vocabulary important for middle school students?
Visual vocabulary helps middle school students connect new words to images, making abstract terms more concrete, improving retention, and supporting diverse learning styles in grades 6–8.
What tools can students use to create visual vocabulary boards for Johnny Tremain?
Students can use storyboard templates, drawing tools, or online resources like Photos for Class to depict vocabulary meanings visually. Digital or paper methods work for creating effective boards.
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Johnny Tremain
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