Activity Overview
Another great way to engage your students is creating a storyboard that uses vocabulary. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
In the vocabulary board, students can choose between coming up with their own use of the vocabulary word, finding the specific example from the text, or depicting it without words.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Vocabulary
- contemplate
- inspiration
- expedition
- dismal
- rendezvous
- intolerable
- vengeance
- repentance
- melancholy
- trifle
- quiver
- pariah
- reckon
- heave
- skiff
- tavern
- presently
- titter
- unkempt
- labyrinth
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 Tom Sawyer 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
Another great way to engage your students is creating a storyboard that uses vocabulary. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
In the vocabulary board, students can choose between coming up with their own use of the vocabulary word, finding the specific example from the text, or depicting it without words.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Vocabulary
- contemplate
- inspiration
- expedition
- dismal
- rendezvous
- intolerable
- vengeance
- repentance
- melancholy
- trifle
- quiver
- pariah
- reckon
- heave
- skiff
- tavern
- presently
- titter
- unkempt
- labyrinth
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 Tom Sawyer 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 Tom Sawyer Visual Vocabulary Board
Incorporate vocabulary games to boost engagement
Gamifying vocabulary practice with quick activities like Bingo, Charades, or Jeopardy helps students review words in a fun, memorable way. Games encourage participation, reinforce word meanings, and make learning more enjoyable for everyone.
Model creating a sample vocabulary board for students
Show students a finished example using one or two words, explaining your thought process for each step. This gives students a clear roadmap, sets expectations, and helps them feel more confident starting their own boards.
Encourage peer feedback on visual vocabulary boards
Pair students or form small groups to share and discuss their boards. Peer feedback builds communication skills, lets students see different creative approaches, and deepens understanding by explaining choices to others.
Connect vocabulary to students’ real-life experiences
Ask students to relate each vocabulary word to something from their own lives, such as a recent event or feeling. Making personal connections helps cement word meanings and increases retention.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tom Sawyer Visual Vocabulary Board
What is a Tom Sawyer visual vocabulary board?
A Tom Sawyer visual vocabulary board is a teaching tool where students illustrate and define vocabulary words from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, helping them understand and remember key terms through both images and text.
How do you create a visual vocabulary board for The Adventures of Tom Sawyer?
To create a visual vocabulary board, choose three vocabulary words from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, find their definitions, write sentences using them, and illustrate each word with scenes or images that show their meanings.
What are some important vocabulary words to teach from Tom Sawyer?
Key vocabulary words from Tom Sawyer include contemplate, inspiration, expedition, dismal, rendezvous, vengeance, repentance, melancholy, pariah, and labyrinth, among others.
Why is using visual vocabulary boards effective for middle school students?
Visual vocabulary boards are effective because they engage students in active learning, making abstract words concrete through images, and helping students better retain and understand new vocabulary.
Can students work in pairs or individually on Tom Sawyer vocabulary boards?
Yes, students can create vocabulary boards individually or with a partner, allowing for flexible collaboration or independent work, depending on classroom needs.
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Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The
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