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 Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga. Teachers can have students define 3-5 words of their choice per chapter or provide a list of words they may be unfamiliar with before beginning the novel or chapter.
Examples of Vocabulary from Other Words for Home
Habibti: Arabic for "sweetheart"
Marhaba: Arabic for "hello"
Muezzin: A man who calls Muslims to prayer from the minaret of a mosque. In the context of the book, Jude is referring to the speaker whose voice she hears outside her window early in the morning.
revolution: the overthrow of a government by those who are governed
treasonous: constituting or having the characteristic of betrayal
stability: a constant order, especially of society
subtitle: translation of foreign dialogue of a movie or TV program
transcend: go beyond the scope or limits of
hummus: a thick spread made from mashed chickpeas
mosque: a Muslim place of worship that usually has a minaret
falafel: fried croquette of mashed chickpeas and spices
hijab: a headscarf worn by Muslim women
audacity: aggressive or outright boldness
feign: give a false appearance of
trudge: walk heavily and firmly, as when weary, or through mud
impulse: an instinctive motive
downplay: understate the importance or quality of
icebreaker: an initial activity to relax a tense or formal atmosphere
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 from Other Words for Home.
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 Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga. Teachers can have students define 3-5 words of their choice per chapter or provide a list of words they may be unfamiliar with before beginning the novel or chapter.
Examples of Vocabulary from Other Words for Home
Habibti: Arabic for "sweetheart"
Marhaba: Arabic for "hello"
Muezzin: A man who calls Muslims to prayer from the minaret of a mosque. In the context of the book, Jude is referring to the speaker whose voice she hears outside her window early in the morning.
revolution: the overthrow of a government by those who are governed
treasonous: constituting or having the characteristic of betrayal
stability: a constant order, especially of society
subtitle: translation of foreign dialogue of a movie or TV program
transcend: go beyond the scope or limits of
hummus: a thick spread made from mashed chickpeas
mosque: a Muslim place of worship that usually has a minaret
falafel: fried croquette of mashed chickpeas and spices
hijab: a headscarf worn by Muslim women
audacity: aggressive or outright boldness
feign: give a false appearance of
trudge: walk heavily and firmly, as when weary, or through mud
impulse: an instinctive motive
downplay: understate the importance or quality of
icebreaker: an initial activity to relax a tense or formal atmosphere
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 from Other Words for Home.
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 Other Words for Home Visual Vocabulary
Integrate Visual Vocabulary Boards into Daily Classroom Routines
Boost retention by making visual vocabulary a regular part of your lessons. Consistent exposure helps students internalize new words and connect them to real-life contexts.
Model Creating a Visual Vocabulary Board Live
Demonstrate the process by choosing a word and building a board together as a class. Seeing your thinking helps students understand expectations and inspires creativity.
Encourage Peer Feedback on Vocabulary Boards
Facilitate a gallery walk or partner share where students review each other's boards. Positive feedback and suggestions foster collaboration and deeper understanding.
Connect Vocabulary Words to Students’ Personal Experiences
Ask students to relate each word to their own lives or current events. Personal connections make abstract terms more memorable and meaningful.
Assess Understanding with Quick Exit Tickets
Use short prompts where students define a word or draw a quick sketch before leaving class. Frequent checks help you monitor progress and adjust instruction as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Other Words for Home Visual Vocabulary
What is a visual vocabulary activity for 'Other Words for Home'?
A visual vocabulary activity for Other Words for Home involves students defining and illustrating key terms from Jasmine Warga's novel. This helps deepen their comprehension and retention by connecting words with images and context from the book.
How can I teach vocabulary from 'Other Words for Home' effectively?
To teach vocabulary from Other Words for Home effectively, start each lesson by introducing 3-5 key terms, have students define and illustrate them, and discuss their meanings in the context of the story. This approach boosts engagement and understanding.
What are some important vocabulary words in 'Other Words for Home'?
Important vocabulary words from Other Words for Home include habibti, marhaba, muezzin, hummus, revolution, hijab, and audacity. These words highlight cultural and thematic elements in the novel.
What is the best way to use storyboards for vocabulary lessons?
The best way to use storyboards for vocabulary lessons is to have students select terms, write definitions or descriptions, and create matching illustrations. This method supports visual learning and helps students remember new words.
Why is visual vocabulary important in middle school ELA lessons?
Visual vocabulary is important in middle school ELA because it aids comprehension, supports diverse learners, and makes abstract terms more concrete. Visuals help students remember and apply new words in context.
More Storyboard That Activities
Other Words for Home
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