Activity Overview
In this activity, students demonstrate their understanding of vocabulary words using a Frayer Model. After choosing a word, students provide a definition, characteristics, examples (synonyms), and non-examples (antonyms) of the word. Students may be provided the vocabulary words, or they can use words that they have discovered through their reading of the text.
This example uses the word “nomad”.
- Definition: a member of a people or tribe that has no permanent abode, but moves about from place to place, usually seasonally and often following a traditional route
- Characteristics: "For centuries, people in Mongolia have led a nomadic lifestyle, moving across the steppe, a vast grass-covered plain, with their herds."
- Examples: wanderer, vagabond, migrant, pilgrim
- Non-Examples: homebody, dweller, inhabitant, resident, settler
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 Librarian is a Camel" by creating visualizations.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a vocabulary word and type it into the middle box.
- Find the definition in a print or online dictionary.
- Define the word in one box.
- Describe characteristics of the word in another cell.
- In the bottom cells, provide examples and non-examples of the word in context.
- Illustrate each example (or non-example) 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | Student entered a correct definition for the vocabulary word and included the part of speech. | Student entered a correct definition for the vocabulary word, but did not include the correct part of speech. | Student entered an incorrect definition for the vocabulary word, and/or did not include the correct part of speech. |
| Characteristics | Student provided at least three characteristics of the vocabulary word or concept to expand or clarify the definition. | Student provided two characteristics of the vocabulary word or concept to expand or clarify the definition. | Student provided only one characteristic of the vocabulary word or concept to expand or clarify the definition. |
| Examples | Student provided at least three examples demonstrating understanding of the vocabulary word. | Student provided two examples demonstrating understanding of the vocabulary word. | Student provided only one example demonstrating understanding of the vocabulary word. |
| Non-Examples | Student provided at least three non-examples demonstrating understanding of the vocabulary word. | Student provided two non-examples demonstrating understanding of the vocabulary word. | Student provided only one non-example demonstrating understanding of the vocabulary word. |
Activity Overview
In this activity, students demonstrate their understanding of vocabulary words using a Frayer Model. After choosing a word, students provide a definition, characteristics, examples (synonyms), and non-examples (antonyms) of the word. Students may be provided the vocabulary words, or they can use words that they have discovered through their reading of the text.
This example uses the word “nomad”.
- Definition: a member of a people or tribe that has no permanent abode, but moves about from place to place, usually seasonally and often following a traditional route
- Characteristics: "For centuries, people in Mongolia have led a nomadic lifestyle, moving across the steppe, a vast grass-covered plain, with their herds."
- Examples: wanderer, vagabond, migrant, pilgrim
- Non-Examples: homebody, dweller, inhabitant, resident, settler
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 Librarian is a Camel" by creating visualizations.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a vocabulary word and type it into the middle box.
- Find the definition in a print or online dictionary.
- Define the word in one box.
- Describe characteristics of the word in another cell.
- In the bottom cells, provide examples and non-examples of the word in context.
- Illustrate each example (or non-example) 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | Student entered a correct definition for the vocabulary word and included the part of speech. | Student entered a correct definition for the vocabulary word, but did not include the correct part of speech. | Student entered an incorrect definition for the vocabulary word, and/or did not include the correct part of speech. |
| Characteristics | Student provided at least three characteristics of the vocabulary word or concept to expand or clarify the definition. | Student provided two characteristics of the vocabulary word or concept to expand or clarify the definition. | Student provided only one characteristic of the vocabulary word or concept to expand or clarify the definition. |
| Examples | Student provided at least three examples demonstrating understanding of the vocabulary word. | Student provided two examples demonstrating understanding of the vocabulary word. | Student provided only one example demonstrating understanding of the vocabulary word. |
| Non-Examples | Student provided at least three non-examples demonstrating understanding of the vocabulary word. | Student provided two non-examples demonstrating understanding of the vocabulary word. | Student provided only one non-example demonstrating understanding of the vocabulary word. |
How Tos about My Librarian is a Camel Vocabulary
Integrate Vocabulary Boards into Daily Reading Routines
Make vocabulary learning a regular part of your classroom! Incorporate vocabulary boards into daily or weekly reading sessions to help students consistently build word knowledge while connecting new words to their reading experiences.
Model How to Select and Research Vocabulary Words
Demonstrate choosing meaningful words from shared texts and show students how to use print or digital dictionaries to find accurate definitions. This encourages independent research skills and critical thinking about word selection.
Guide Students in Creating Visual Representations
Encourage students to illustrate each vocabulary word using drawings or digital images. Visuals help make abstract words concrete and support memory retention, especially for visual learners.
Facilitate Peer Sharing and Feedback Sessions
Organize opportunities for students to present their vocabulary boards to classmates and receive constructive feedback. This builds communication skills and allows students to learn from one another’s perspectives and creativity.
Assess Understanding with Quick Exit Tickets
Use short exit tickets where students apply a new vocabulary word in a sentence or identify an antonym or synonym. Quick checks ensure comprehension and provide valuable data for future instruction.
Frequently Asked Questions about My Librarian is a Camel Vocabulary
What is the Frayer Model and how can I use it for vocabulary in 'My Librarian is a Camel'?
The Frayer Model is a graphic organizer that helps students understand vocabulary words by defining them, listing characteristics, giving examples, and providing non-examples. For 'My Librarian is a Camel,' students select a word, fill out each section, and illustrate meanings for deeper comprehension.
How do I create a visual vocabulary board for 'My Librarian is a Camel'?
To make a visual vocabulary board, pick a word from the book, define it, describe its characteristics, show examples and non-examples, and add illustrations or photos for each. Use tools like Photos for Class or draw your own images to help students visualize word meanings.
What are some good vocabulary words to use from 'My Librarian is a Camel'?
Some strong vocabulary words from 'My Librarian is a Camel' include nomad, migrant, library, camel, and mobile. Choose words that are new or challenging for students, or that are important to the text’s main ideas.
Why is using examples and non-examples important for teaching vocabulary?
Examples and non-examples help students make connections and distinguish meanings. Seeing both what a word is and what it is not builds a clearer, deeper understanding and prevents confusion when students encounter the word in context.
What are the steps for students to follow when completing this vocabulary activity?
Students should: 1) Choose a word from the text, 2) Find and write its definition, 3) Describe its characteristics, 4) List examples and non-examples, and 5) Illustrate each section with drawings or photos to show understanding.
More Storyboard That Activities
My Librarian is a Camel
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