Activity Overview
Learning new vocabulary is an important part of reading any book. Often, new words pertaining to an unfamiliar context need to be mastered before a student can understand what is happening in a story. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry has many words that are particular and relevant to its setting in the rural South.
Taylor uses many vivid verbs, unique adjectives, and colloquialisms to enhance her writing. How do the words create a better visual in your mind? How does the vocabulary make the writing more authentic?
Vocabulary Activities Example
- sharecropper
- maverick
- lynch
- persnickety
- languidly
- gleaned
- wizened
- shun
- saunter
- traipsing
- reckon
- wheedle
- akimbo
- emaciated
- malevolently
- skittish
- clabber
- chiffonier
- oblivious
- meticulously
- chain gang
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 Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry 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
Learning new vocabulary is an important part of reading any book. Often, new words pertaining to an unfamiliar context need to be mastered before a student can understand what is happening in a story. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry has many words that are particular and relevant to its setting in the rural South.
Taylor uses many vivid verbs, unique adjectives, and colloquialisms to enhance her writing. How do the words create a better visual in your mind? How does the vocabulary make the writing more authentic?
Vocabulary Activities Example
- sharecropper
- maverick
- lynch
- persnickety
- languidly
- gleaned
- wizened
- shun
- saunter
- traipsing
- reckon
- wheedle
- akimbo
- emaciated
- malevolently
- skittish
- clabber
- chiffonier
- oblivious
- meticulously
- chain gang
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 Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry 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 Defining Vocabulary in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Incorporate Vocabulary Games to Reinforce Learning
Engage students by introducing interactive vocabulary games like Vocabulary Bingo or Charades. These activities make word practice fun and help students remember definitions through movement and competition. Games boost enthusiasm and encourage repeated exposure to new words.
Model Context Clues with Read-Alouds
Read passages aloud and pause when encountering a challenging word. Think aloud about clues in the surrounding text that hint at the word’s meaning. Modeling this process helps students develop strategies for decoding unfamiliar vocabulary independently.
Create Personal Vocabulary Journals
Have each student maintain a vocabulary journal where they record new words, definitions, example sentences, and illustrations. Encourage regular entries to promote ownership and personalized learning. Review journals weekly to reinforce retention.
Connect Vocabulary to Students’ Lives
Ask students to relate each new word to their own experiences or community. Making personal connections increases understanding and recall. For example, invite students to share times they felt ‘skittish’ or saw something ‘emaciated’ outside of class.
Assess Understanding with Quick Exit Tickets
End lessons with quick exit tickets where students use a new word in a sentence or draw a related picture. This immediate check-in lets you gauge comprehension and identify words that need further review.
Frequently Asked Questions about Defining Vocabulary in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
What are some important vocabulary words in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry?
Important vocabulary words in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry include sharecropper, maverick, lynch, persnickety, languidly, gleaned, wizened, shun, saunter, traipsing, reckon, wheedle, akimbo, emaciated, malevolently, skittish, clabber, chiffonier, oblivious, meticulously, and chain gang.
How can I teach vocabulary from Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry in a visual way?
To teach vocabulary visually, have students choose vocabulary words, find their definitions, write sentences using each word, and illustrate the meaning through drawings or images. Tools like Photos for Class can help students find appropriate visuals to represent each word.
Why is understanding vocabulary important when reading Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry?
Understanding vocabulary helps students grasp the context, themes, and setting of the story, making it easier to comprehend the plot and connect with the characters in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.
What is a visual vocabulary board and how do I use it for literature lessons?
A visual vocabulary board is an activity where students pick vocabulary words, define them, use them in sentences, and create or find images to illustrate their meanings. It's especially helpful in literature lessons for deepening word understanding and engagement.
What are some quick activities for helping students master new vocabulary in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry?
Quick activities include matching words to definitions, using words in original sentences, drawing or finding images that represent each word, and creating vocabulary boards. These approaches make learning new words engaging and effective.
More Storyboard That Activities
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
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
