Activity Overview
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary that students will see in their readings or presentations aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary related to Sounder by William H. Armstrong.
Students will preview the terms and definitions and use whole class or small group discussion to demonstrate their understanding of each meaning. This can be done at the beginning of each chapter so that students can preview what they will read or teachers could decide to do at the end of a chapter as an assessment. When students define and illustrate each term, they master the application of it and retain it as part of their lexicon.
Examples of Vocabulary from Sounder
- Addled
- Ajar
- Briars
- Cistern
- Coarseness
- Conjure
- Floundering
- Fret
- Grieved
- Inquiring
- Mellowness
- Preacher
- Punctuated
- Quarry
- Reckon
- Sharecropper
- Sultry
- Sumac
- Whetstone
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 vocabulary from Sounder.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the key terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements: Must have 3 terms, correct definitions, 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 that students will see in their readings or presentations aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary related to Sounder by William H. Armstrong.
Students will preview the terms and definitions and use whole class or small group discussion to demonstrate their understanding of each meaning. This can be done at the beginning of each chapter so that students can preview what they will read or teachers could decide to do at the end of a chapter as an assessment. When students define and illustrate each term, they master the application of it and retain it as part of their lexicon.
Examples of Vocabulary from Sounder
- Addled
- Ajar
- Briars
- Cistern
- Coarseness
- Conjure
- Floundering
- Fret
- Grieved
- Inquiring
- Mellowness
- Preacher
- Punctuated
- Quarry
- Reckon
- Sharecropper
- Sultry
- Sumac
- Whetstone
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 vocabulary from Sounder.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the key terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements: Must have 3 terms, correct definitions, 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 Illustrating Vocabulary in Sounder
How to Differentiate Vocabulary Activities for Diverse Learners
Adapt vocabulary tasks to meet varying student needs by providing multiple options for illustrating and defining terms. Offer sentence starters, visual aids, or simplified definitions to support struggling readers, while challenging advanced students with deeper connections or context sentences.
Model creating a vocabulary storyboard for your class
Demonstrate the process by selecting a sample term, defining it aloud, and drawing a quick illustration on the board or projector. This helps students visualize expectations and clarifies the assignment steps.
Facilitate peer review of student vocabulary boards
Organize students into pairs or small groups and have them share their vocabulary boards. Encourage constructive feedback focused on definition accuracy and creativity in illustrations.
Incorporate vocabulary games to reinforce mastery
Engage your class with quick games like vocabulary bingo or matching cards using the Sounder terms. Games boost retention and make review sessions lively.
Assess understanding with a vocabulary exit ticket
Distribute a short exit ticket at the end of the lesson asking students to use one new term in a sentence or draw a quick sketch. This provides immediate feedback on learning and highlights terms needing extra review.
Frequently Asked Questions about Illustrating Vocabulary in Sounder
What is the best way to teach vocabulary from Sounder to 4th–6th graders?
The best way to teach vocabulary from Sounder to 4th–6th graders is by having students create visual vocabulary boards, such as storyboards or spider maps. This approach helps students define, illustrate, and discuss key terms, supporting comprehension and retention through active engagement.
How do I create a vocabulary storyboard for Sounder?
To create a vocabulary storyboard for Sounder, choose 3 or more key terms, write their definitions in description boxes, and illustrate each word with relevant scenes or characters from the story. This visual method reinforces meaning and makes vocabulary memorable for students.
Why is it important to preview vocabulary before reading Sounder?
Previewing vocabulary before reading Sounder helps students understand challenging words in context, improves reading comprehension, and builds confidence as they encounter new terms during the story.
What are some examples of key vocabulary words from Sounder?
Examples of key vocabulary words from Sounder include addled, ajar, briars, cistern, conjure, floundering, grieved, and sharecropper. These words are essential for understanding the novel's themes and language.
How can visual vocabulary boards help struggling readers?
Visual vocabulary boards support struggling readers by combining definitions with illustrations, making abstract words more concrete. This strategy enhances word retention and provides multiple entry points for understanding difficult vocabulary.
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