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 the poem "Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou.
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 "Still I Rise"
- Bitter
- Trod
- Sassiness
- Beset
- Gloom
- Soulful
- Haughtiness
- Offend
- Rooted
- Wondrously
- Bowed
- Ancestors
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 visual vocabulary board to define and illustrate new vocabulary in "Still I Rise".
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 the poem "Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou.
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 "Still I Rise"
- Bitter
- Trod
- Sassiness
- Beset
- Gloom
- Soulful
- Haughtiness
- Offend
- Rooted
- Wondrously
- Bowed
- Ancestors
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 visual vocabulary board to define and illustrate new vocabulary in "Still I Rise".
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 \"Still I Rise\" Vocabulary
How to Facilitate Meaningful Discussions About Poetic Vocabulary
Foster deeper understanding by organizing guided discussions around challenging vocabulary in "Still I Rise". Encourage every student to share connections and personal interpretations for each term to build confidence and comprehension.
Assign students to small groups for focused term exploration
Break students into groups and give each group a set of vocabulary words. Collaborative learning allows students to support each other and share ideas, making the meanings more memorable.
Prompt students to create and share personal examples
Ask each student to use a vocabulary word in a sentence from their own life. This personal connection helps students internalize and recall new terms beyond the poem.
Encourage students to ask clarifying questions
Remind students that it's okay to be unsure! Prompt them to voice questions about word meanings or usage. Peer explanations often clarify concepts in relatable ways.
Guide students to connect vocabulary to poem themes
Lead a discussion on how each vocabulary word ties back to themes like resilience or identity in "Still I Rise." Contextualizing words deepens both vocabulary and literary understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about \"Still I Rise\" Vocabulary
What is a visual vocabulary board for 'Still I Rise'?
A visual vocabulary board for "Still I Rise" is an activity where students define and illustrate key vocabulary terms from Maya Angelou's poem. This strategy helps students understand and remember new words by pairing definitions with creative visuals.
How can I teach vocabulary from 'Still I Rise' in a middle school classroom?
To teach vocabulary from 'Still I Rise' in a middle school classroom, introduce the key terms, discuss their meanings as a class or in small groups, and have students create visual representations of each word. This process boosts comprehension and engagement.
What are some examples of vocabulary words from 'Still I Rise'?
Examples of vocabulary words from 'Still I Rise' include: bitter, trod, sassiness, beset, gloom, soulful, haughtiness, offend, rooted, wondrously, bowed, and ancestors.
Why is it important to preview vocabulary before reading 'Still I Rise'?
Previewing vocabulary before reading 'Still I Rise' helps students build background knowledge, improves comprehension, and makes it easier for them to engage with the poem's themes and language.
What is the best way for students to demonstrate understanding of new vocabulary in poetry lessons?
The best way for students to demonstrate understanding is by defining each term, illustrating it visually, and discussing meanings in groups. This multi-step approach ensures active learning and retention.
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Still I Rise
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