Activity Overview
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary found in the book Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata.
Students will create a Spider map of 3-5 terms at the teachers discretion. Each cell will contain a term or allusion, its definition or description and an appropriate illustration.
Examples of Terms and Allusions from Kira-Kira
Chicken Sexer: A chicken sexer distinguishes the sex of chicks and other hatchlings. Chicken sexing is practiced mostly by large commercial hatcheries to separate female chicks or "pullets" from the males or "cockerels".
hatsu-yume: "Hatsu-Yume” is Japanese for the first prophetic dream in the new year.
kira-kira: shiny, glittering, sparkling.
Labor Union: an organized association of workers, often in a trade or profession, formed to protect and further their rights and interests.
onigri: rice balls in Japanese.
Sode Boshi: the “kimono sleeve in the sky” is the constellation also called Orion.
Thug: a term for a violent person that intimidates others. In the story, the owners of the poultry plant hire thugs to intimidate workers into not organizing a union.
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 key vocabulary terms or allusions from Kira-Kira.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the vocabulary terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition or description of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: Must have 3 vocabulary terms, correct definitions or descriptions, 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 aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary found in the book Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata.
Students will create a Spider map of 3-5 terms at the teachers discretion. Each cell will contain a term or allusion, its definition or description and an appropriate illustration.
Examples of Terms and Allusions from Kira-Kira
Chicken Sexer: A chicken sexer distinguishes the sex of chicks and other hatchlings. Chicken sexing is practiced mostly by large commercial hatcheries to separate female chicks or "pullets" from the males or "cockerels".
hatsu-yume: "Hatsu-Yume” is Japanese for the first prophetic dream in the new year.
kira-kira: shiny, glittering, sparkling.
Labor Union: an organized association of workers, often in a trade or profession, formed to protect and further their rights and interests.
onigri: rice balls in Japanese.
Sode Boshi: the “kimono sleeve in the sky” is the constellation also called Orion.
Thug: a term for a violent person that intimidates others. In the story, the owners of the poultry plant hire thugs to intimidate workers into not organizing a union.
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 key vocabulary terms or allusions from Kira-Kira.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the vocabulary terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition or description of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: Must have 3 vocabulary terms, correct definitions or descriptions, 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 Allusions and Key Terms in Kira-Kira
Engage Students with a Vocabulary Scavenger Hunt
Turn learning into an adventure by having students search for key terms and allusions as they read Kira-Kira. Challenge them to spot, record, and share new words in context to boost retention and excitement for vocabulary!
Introduce the scavenger hunt and set clear expectations
Explain the activity and show examples of what to look for. Set clear goals for how many terms to find and discuss how students should record their discoveries.
Provide students with a tracking sheet or digital log
Give each student a simple organizer to note down vocabulary terms, page numbers, and their own definitions. This keeps students focused and organized as they read.
Encourage collaboration and discussion
Allow students to compare findings in pairs or small groups. Sharing discoveries builds engagement and helps clarify meanings together.
Review and reinforce new vocabulary as a class
Host a quick class discussion or create a word wall with collected terms and illustrations. Reinforcing vocabulary together deepens understanding and celebrates their efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions about Allusions and Key Terms in Kira-Kira
What are some key vocabulary terms and allusions in Kira-Kira?
Key vocabulary terms and allusions in Kira-Kira include chicken sexer, hatsu-yume, kira-kira, labor union, onigri, sode boshi, and thug. These words help students understand important themes and cultural references in the book.
How can I teach allusions and vocabulary from Kira-Kira to middle school students?
Use a storyboard or spider map activity where students define and illustrate 3–5 key terms or allusions from Kira-Kira. This helps reinforce vocabulary, encourage creativity, and deepen understanding of the novel’s context.
What is the purpose of a spider map activity for vocabulary in literature lessons?
A spider map activity helps students visually organize vocabulary by connecting terms with their definitions and illustrations. It boosts comprehension and retention, especially when exploring literature like Kira-Kira.
Can you give examples of allusions from Kira-Kira and their meanings?
Examples include hatsu-yume (the first prophetic dream of the new year in Japanese culture), sode boshi (the Orion constellation, called the 'kimono sleeve in the sky'), and kira-kira (meaning shiny or sparkling in Japanese).
What are the steps for students to complete the Kira-Kira vocabulary storyboard assignment?
Students should: 1) Click 'Start Assignment,' 2) Choose 3 vocabulary terms or allusions, 3) Write definitions/descriptions, and 4) Create illustrations for each term to show understanding.
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