Activity Overview
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary terms and allusions aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary and allusions found in the book Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez. Students will create a spider map of 3-5 terms at the teacher's discretion. Each cell will contain a term or allusion, its definition or description, and an appropriate illustration.
Examples of Vocabulary from Return to Sender
apprehended: arrested.
cargo: goods carried on a ship, aircraft, or motor vehicle.
confiscate: take or seize someone's property.
contradiction: a person, thing, or situation in which elements are inconsistent or opposed to one another.
Coyotes: Spanish word for smugglers help immigrants cross into the United States illegally.
democracy: a system of government where representatives and lawmakers are elected by the people.
Derechos: Spanish word for rights.
enlightened having or showing a rational, modern, and well-informed outlook.
Estrella: Estrella is the Spanish word for stars. Tyler introduces Mari to astronomy and their friendship forms over a love of stargazing. Mari suggests that Tyler name the farm stars and swallows: Estrella & Golondrina Farm. Even though Mexico and Vermont are far apart, they are both under the same stars.
hostage: A person seized by a criminal in order to compel another party such as a relative, employer, law enforcement, or government to act in a certain way or give money, often under threat of serious physical harm to the hostage.
immoral: deliberately violating accepted principles of right and wrong.
La Golondrina: La Golondrina is Spanish for swallow, a type of bird. It is also the name of a famous Mexican song that Mari and her family enjoy. The swallow migrates from Mexico to the United States and back every year. The song talks about longing for one's home like the swallow or golondrina flying across North America.
La migra and ICE: La Migra is the Spanish word for immigration. When Mari uses these words, she means "immigration officials" or ICE: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE is a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security founded in 2003. ICE seeks out immigrants who have entered the United States illegally and deports them back to their country of origin.
Operation Return to Sender: a large operation by ICE in 2006 and 2007 that targeted undocumented immigrants with a criminal record. However, it also deported those without criminal records as was the case of the Cruz family in the story.
oversimplify: to simplify (something) so much that a distorted impression of it is given.
prejudice: preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience.
stigma: a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.
stereotypes: a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing which can be problematic and hurtful.
testimony: a solemn declaration usually made orally by a witness under oath in response to interrogation by a lawyer or authorized public official.
upstanding: marked by integrity.
vigilant: alertly watchful especially to avoid danger.
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 Return to Sender.
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 terms and allusions aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary and allusions found in the book Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez. Students will create a spider map of 3-5 terms at the teacher's discretion. Each cell will contain a term or allusion, its definition or description, and an appropriate illustration.
Examples of Vocabulary from Return to Sender
apprehended: arrested.
cargo: goods carried on a ship, aircraft, or motor vehicle.
confiscate: take or seize someone's property.
contradiction: a person, thing, or situation in which elements are inconsistent or opposed to one another.
Coyotes: Spanish word for smugglers help immigrants cross into the United States illegally.
democracy: a system of government where representatives and lawmakers are elected by the people.
Derechos: Spanish word for rights.
enlightened having or showing a rational, modern, and well-informed outlook.
Estrella: Estrella is the Spanish word for stars. Tyler introduces Mari to astronomy and their friendship forms over a love of stargazing. Mari suggests that Tyler name the farm stars and swallows: Estrella & Golondrina Farm. Even though Mexico and Vermont are far apart, they are both under the same stars.
hostage: A person seized by a criminal in order to compel another party such as a relative, employer, law enforcement, or government to act in a certain way or give money, often under threat of serious physical harm to the hostage.
immoral: deliberately violating accepted principles of right and wrong.
La Golondrina: La Golondrina is Spanish for swallow, a type of bird. It is also the name of a famous Mexican song that Mari and her family enjoy. The swallow migrates from Mexico to the United States and back every year. The song talks about longing for one's home like the swallow or golondrina flying across North America.
La migra and ICE: La Migra is the Spanish word for immigration. When Mari uses these words, she means "immigration officials" or ICE: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE is a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security founded in 2003. ICE seeks out immigrants who have entered the United States illegally and deports them back to their country of origin.
Operation Return to Sender: a large operation by ICE in 2006 and 2007 that targeted undocumented immigrants with a criminal record. However, it also deported those without criminal records as was the case of the Cruz family in the story.
oversimplify: to simplify (something) so much that a distorted impression of it is given.
prejudice: preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience.
stigma: a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.
stereotypes: a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing which can be problematic and hurtful.
testimony: a solemn declaration usually made orally by a witness under oath in response to interrogation by a lawyer or authorized public official.
upstanding: marked by integrity.
vigilant: alertly watchful especially to avoid danger.
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 Return to Sender.
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 Return to Sender Vocabulary
Organize a Classroom Vocabulary Gallery Walk
Arrange students' storyboard vocabulary maps around the room and have students rotate in small groups to view and discuss each other's work. This active approach gets students moving, encourages collaboration, and deepens understanding of key terms from Return to Sender.
Model how to give constructive feedback on vocabulary illustrations
Teach students to offer specific, positive comments on a peer's vocabulary map, such as noting clear definitions or creative illustrations. Providing and receiving feedback helps students reflect on their own work and learn from classmates' interpretations.
Facilitate connections between vocabulary and students' lives
Prompt students to relate each vocabulary term or allusion to a real-life experience, news event, or personal feeling. This makes the terms more meaningful and encourages higher-level thinking about the book's themes.
Incorporate vocabulary terms into creative writing activities
Challenge students to use at least three new terms from the lesson in an original short story, letter, or diary entry. Writing with new vocabulary reinforces understanding and boosts retention.
Frequently Asked Questions about Return to Sender Vocabulary
What is the Return to Sender vocabulary storyboard activity?
The Return to Sender vocabulary storyboard activity is a lesson where students create a visual map defining and illustrating key terms and allusions from Julia Alvarez's novel Return to Sender. Students select 3–5 vocabulary words, provide their definitions, and draw illustrations to boost comprehension and retention.
How can I help students understand difficult vocabulary in Return to Sender?
To help students grasp challenging vocabulary in Return to Sender, have them create a spider map for each term, including its definition, an example, and a drawing. Discuss real-life connections and encourage students to use the words in sentences.
What are some important vocabulary words from Return to Sender?
Key vocabulary from Return to Sender includes apprehended, contradiction, coyotes, democracy, prejudice, ICE, La Golondrina, stereotypes, and vigilant. These words reflect major themes and issues in the novel.
What is a spider map and why use it for vocabulary lessons?
A spider map is a graphic organizer that helps students visually connect a vocabulary term with its definition, example, and illustration. It supports memory, comprehension, and deeper learning, making it ideal for vocabulary lessons.
How do I create a visual vocabulary board for Return to Sender?
To create a visual vocabulary board, select 3–5 key terms from Return to Sender. For each word, write its definition and draw an illustration that represents its meaning or context in the story. Arrange the terms in a spider map or storyboard format for clarity.
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