Activity Overview
Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary from King Lear. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the play, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
King Lear Vocabulary
- benison
- maledictions
- knave
- stocks
- abjure
- tempest
- ague
- dispatch
- stratagem
- puissant
- bedlam
- heralded
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 King Lear 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 King Lear. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the play, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
King Lear Vocabulary
- benison
- maledictions
- knave
- stocks
- abjure
- tempest
- ague
- dispatch
- stratagem
- puissant
- bedlam
- heralded
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 King Lear 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 King Lear Visual Vocabulary
Organize a classroom vocabulary challenge for deeper engagement
Build excitement by launching a vocabulary challenge where students earn points for creative use, explanations, and visual representations of King Lear terms. This friendly competition motivates participation and helps reinforce new words through collaboration and fun!
Divide students into small teams and distribute vocabulary lists
Assign each team a mix of familiar and challenging King Lear vocabulary words. Working in groups boosts collaboration and allows students to support each other's learning.
Set clear rules and point values for activities
Establish simple guidelines—like awarding points for correct definitions, creative sentences, and detailed illustrations. Clarifying expectations keeps the challenge fair, focused, and engaging for all students.
Rotate activities: definitions, sentences, and visualizations
Have teams cycle through tasks: finding definitions, writing original sentences, and creating illustrations for their assigned words. This variety ensures every student can shine and deepens vocabulary understanding.
Celebrate achievements and review as a class
Wrap up by tallying points, highlighting creative work, and discussing tricky words together. Recognition boosts confidence and reviewing together helps reinforce all the new vocabulary from King Lear.
Frequently Asked Questions about King Lear Visual Vocabulary
What is a visual vocabulary board for King Lear?
A visual vocabulary board for King Lear is a creative activity where students illustrate and define key vocabulary words from the play using images, scenes, or characters, helping reinforce understanding through visual learning.
How can I teach King Lear vocabulary to high school students?
You can teach King Lear vocabulary by having students select important words, find their definitions, use them in sentences, and create visual representations—such as storyboards—to deepen comprehension and engagement.
What are some commonly taught vocabulary words from King Lear?
Commonly taught King Lear vocabulary includes: benison, maledictions, knave, stocks, abjure, tempest, ague, dispatch, stratagem, puissant, bedlam, and heralded.
What is the best way to help students understand difficult Shakespearean words?
The best way is to combine definitions, example sentences, and visual aids like storyboards or images, which support students in connecting complex vocabulary to context and meaning.
How do I create a visual vocabulary lesson for King Lear?
To create a visual vocabulary lesson, choose key words from King Lear, have students find definitions and use them in sentences, then illustrate each word using scenes or images that reflect its meaning.
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