Activity Overview
In this activity students are able to demonstrate their understanding of vocabulary words using sentences and corresponding images. Students may be provided the vocabulary words, or they can use words that they have discovered through reading the text. The sentences and images validate the understanding of the word and the context that it was used in the novel.
Example Matilda Vocabulary Words
- phenomenon
- scheming
- appalled
- headmistress
- scorch
- tinkle
- sensational
- surge
- prostrate
- matron
- hover
- elated
- twaddle
- delve
- resent
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 Matilda 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
In this activity students are able to demonstrate their understanding of vocabulary words using sentences and corresponding images. Students may be provided the vocabulary words, or they can use words that they have discovered through reading the text. The sentences and images validate the understanding of the word and the context that it was used in the novel.
Example Matilda Vocabulary Words
- phenomenon
- scheming
- appalled
- headmistress
- scorch
- tinkle
- sensational
- surge
- prostrate
- matron
- hover
- elated
- twaddle
- delve
- resent
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 Matilda 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 Matilde vocabulario
How can I quickly assess students' understanding of new vocabulary during class?
Use exit tickets or quick quizzes to check for immediate understanding after a lesson. This helps you spot learning gaps right away and tailor your next steps based on real-time data.
Encourage students to use vocabulary words in peer conversations.
Facilitate short partner or group discussions where students must incorporate new vocabulary. This active practice boosts retention and builds confidence using words naturally.
Provide sentence starters for vocabulary practice.
Offer sentence frames or prompts to help students create meaningful sentences. This scaffolds learning and ensures all students can participate successfully.
Integrate vocabulary games into your lesson.
Play games like charades, Pictionary, or word bingo using the target vocabulary. Games make review fun and encourage repeated exposure to key terms.
Display a student-created vocabulary word wall.
Dedicate part of your classroom to a visual word wall where students can add words, definitions, and illustrations. This ongoing reference supports long-term retention and classroom ownership of learning.
Frequently Asked Questions about Matilde vocabulario
What is a visual vocabulary board for Matilda?
A visual vocabulary board for Matilda is an activity where students choose vocabulary words from the novel, define them, use them in sentences, and create illustrations or find images to represent their meaning and context in the story.
How can I help my students understand Matilda vocabulary words?
You can support students by having them select key vocabulary from Matilda, look up definitions, write example sentences, and visualize the words through drawings or curated images. This multi-step approach deepens comprehension and retention.
What are some example vocabulary words from Matilda for 4th and 5th graders?
Sample vocabulary words from Matilda suitable for grades 4–5 include fenómeno (phenomenon), intrigante (intriguing), horrorizado (horrified), directora (principal), and quemar (to burn).
What steps should students follow to complete a visual vocabulary board for Matilda?
Students should: 1) Pick three vocabulary words from the story, 2) Write each word in a title box, 3) Find the definition, 4) Create a sentence with the word, 5) Illustrate or find an image that shows the meaning, and 6) Save and submit the completed board.
Why is visualizing vocabulary beneficial for students reading Matilda?
Visualizing vocabulary helps students connect words to context, enhances memory, and boosts engagement. By pairing definitions, sentences, and images, learners gain a deeper understanding of language used in Matilda.
More Storyboard That Activities
Matilda
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
