Activity Overview
Another great way to engage your students is by creating a storyboard that uses vocabulary from My Father’s Dragon.
In this activity, students 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 their reading of the text. The sentences and images validate the understanding of the word and the context that it was used in the novel.
Example My Father's Dragon Vocabulary Words
- knapsack
- hold
- solemn
- suspicious
- glaring
- scarce
- summon
- cargo
- conduct
- disorderly
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 My Father's Dragon 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 by creating a storyboard that uses vocabulary from My Father’s Dragon.
In this activity, students 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 their reading of the text. The sentences and images validate the understanding of the word and the context that it was used in the novel.
Example My Father's Dragon Vocabulary Words
- knapsack
- hold
- solemn
- suspicious
- glaring
- scarce
- summon
- cargo
- conduct
- disorderly
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 My Father's Dragon 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 Visual Vocabulary in My Father\'s Dragon
How to Facilitate a Vocabulary Word Gallery Walk
Set up a gallery walk to let students display their visual vocabulary boards and observe each other's work. This approach encourages peer learning and sparks meaningful discussions about word usage and context from My Father’s Dragon.
Prepare the classroom for the gallery walk
Arrange desks or display spaces so students can easily walk around and view each visual vocabulary board. Clear pathways and organize boards in a logical sequence to make the activity smooth and engaging.
Explain the expectations and roles
Tell students what to look for as they view each board, such as how the word is used, the clarity of the illustration, and creative connections to the story. Assign some students as presenters to briefly explain their choices, while others observe and ask questions.
Guide students through the gallery walk
Have students rotate in small groups or pairs, spending 1–2 minutes at each display. Encourage respectful listening and positive feedback as students share observations about new vocabulary and artistic interpretations.
Reflect and discuss as a class
Bring the group together to share insights, favorite words, and creative ideas they noticed. Discuss how visualizing vocabulary deepens understanding and supports reading comprehension for My Father’s Dragon.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visual Vocabulary in My Father\'s Dragon
What is a visual vocabulary activity for My Father’s Dragon?
A visual vocabulary activity for My Father’s Dragon involves students choosing key vocabulary words from the book, defining them, using them in original sentences, and illustrating each word with drawings or images. This helps reinforce word meaning and context in a creative way.
How can I teach vocabulary from My Father’s Dragon in a fun way?
You can make vocabulary lessons fun by having students create storyboards that pair sentences using new words with colorful illustrations. This hands-on approach supports understanding and keeps students engaged.
What are some example vocabulary words from My Father’s Dragon?
Some example vocabulary words from My Father’s Dragon include knapsack, hold, solemn, suspicious, glaring, scarce, summon, cargo, conduct, and disorderly.
What is the best way to assess vocabulary understanding in My Father’s Dragon?
The best way to assess vocabulary understanding is to have students use each word in a sentence and create a drawing or image that matches its meaning and context from the story. This demonstrates both comprehension and application.
How do I create a visual vocabulary board for a novel?
To create a visual vocabulary board, select key words from the novel, find their definitions, write example sentences, and illustrate each word using drawings, digital scenes, or images from resources like Photos for Class. Arrange these elements in a grid or storyboard format for easy viewing.
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