Activity Overview
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary that students will see in their readings or presentations aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary related to Lily’s Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff.
Students will preview the terms and definitions and use whole class or small group discussion to demonstrate their understanding of each meaning. This can be done at the beginning of each chapter so that students can preview what they will read or teachers could decide to do at the end of a chapter as an assessment. When students define and illustrate each term, they master the application of it and retain it as part of their lexicon.
Example Vocabulary for Lily’s Crossing
- invasion
- rosaries
- drone
- throttle
- wrenching
- censors
- insignia
- trestle
- viaduct
- convent
- rummaged
- convoy
- stifling
- trespassing
- jetty
- swell
- turrets
- liberate
- veered
- pact
- irritable
- smuggle
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 illustrates and defines at least 3 vocabulary words from Lily's Crossing.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the key terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements: Must have 3 terms, correct definitions, 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 that students will see in their readings or presentations aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary related to Lily’s Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff.
Students will preview the terms and definitions and use whole class or small group discussion to demonstrate their understanding of each meaning. This can be done at the beginning of each chapter so that students can preview what they will read or teachers could decide to do at the end of a chapter as an assessment. When students define and illustrate each term, they master the application of it and retain it as part of their lexicon.
Example Vocabulary for Lily’s Crossing
- invasion
- rosaries
- drone
- throttle
- wrenching
- censors
- insignia
- trestle
- viaduct
- convent
- rummaged
- convoy
- stifling
- trespassing
- jetty
- swell
- turrets
- liberate
- veered
- pact
- irritable
- smuggle
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 illustrates and defines at least 3 vocabulary words from Lily's Crossing.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the key terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements: Must have 3 terms, correct definitions, 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 Visual Vocabulary for Lily\'s Crossing
Organize vocabulary practice with engaging classroom games
Gamify vocabulary review to boost student motivation and participation. Active games help reinforce word meanings and build confidence.
Divide students into small groups for team play
Arrange students into teams of 3–5 to encourage collaboration and friendly competition. Grouping keeps all students involved and accountable.
Create game cards using vocabulary words and definitions
Have students or prepare yourself a set of cards—one for each vocabulary word and another for its definition. This hands-on prep makes the activity interactive and reusable.
Play matching or charades with the vocabulary cards
Let teams match words to definitions or act out words using gestures (charades style). These activities make learning memorable and fun, supporting all learning styles.
Celebrate team efforts and review tricky words together
Wrap up by highlighting teamwork and discussing any challenging vocabulary. Positive feedback and shared review help students retain new terms.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visual Vocabulary for Lily\'s Crossing
What is a visual vocabulary activity for Lily's Crossing?
A visual vocabulary activity for Lily's Crossing involves students choosing key terms from the novel, defining each one, and creating illustrations to represent their meanings. This strategy helps boost comprehension and retention of important vocabulary from the text.
How can I teach vocabulary from Lily's Crossing in an engaging way?
To teach vocabulary from Lily's Crossing engagingly, have students create storyboards or spider maps where they define each word and illustrate it. Encourage group discussions and use visuals to make the learning process interactive and memorable.
What are some key vocabulary words from Lily's Crossing?
Some key vocabulary words from Lily's Crossing include invasion, rosaries, drone, throttle, censors, insignia, viaduct, convent, convoy, stifling, trespassing, jetty, turrets, liberate, veered, pact, irritable, and smuggle.
Why is visual vocabulary important for 4th to 6th grade students?
Visual vocabulary is important for 4th to 6th graders because it helps them connect words with images, making abstract terms easier to understand and remember. It also supports different learning styles and strengthens reading comprehension.
What steps should students follow to complete a visual vocabulary assignment?
Students should select at least three vocabulary words, write correct definitions, create relevant illustrations for each, and use these visuals to demonstrate their understanding as part of a storyboard or spider map. Reviewing terms before or after each chapter can be effective.
More Storyboard That Activities
Lily's Crossing
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
