Activity Overview
Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary from “The Bells”. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the poem, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
”The Bells” Vocabulary
- sledges
- crystalline
- runic
- tintinnabulation
- rapture
- alarum
- turbulency
- expostulation
- palpitating
- monody
- ghouls
- pæan
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 “The Bells” 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 through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary from “The Bells”. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the poem, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
”The Bells” Vocabulary
- sledges
- crystalline
- runic
- tintinnabulation
- rapture
- alarum
- turbulency
- expostulation
- palpitating
- monody
- ghouls
- pæan
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 “The Bells” 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 Vocabulary for “The Bells”
Engage Students with a Vocabulary Scavenger Hunt
Boost excitement by turning vocabulary review into a game! Interactive hunts help students recall word meanings and encourage teamwork.
Define clear vocabulary goals for the scavenger hunt
Choose 5-8 key words from “The Bells” and decide what you want students to find—definitions, synonyms, examples, or images. Clear goals keep the activity focused and purposeful.
Prepare word cards and hiding spots around the classroom
Write each vocabulary word on its own card. Hide the cards in creative locations around the room. Vary the difficulty of hiding places to keep students challenged and engaged.
Explain the rules and set student expectations
Tell students they’ll work in pairs or small groups to find and define each word. Outline what counts as a successful find—for example, correctly stating the meaning or using the word in a sentence.
Monitor progress and celebrate discoveries
Circulate as students hunt, offering hints and encouragement as needed. Celebrate when a group finds all words and shares their meanings, reinforcing vocabulary mastery.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vocabulary for “The Bells”
What is a visual vocabulary board for 'The Bells' by Edgar Allan Poe?
A visual vocabulary board for “The Bells” is a creative activity where students choose key words from the poem, define them, use them in sentences, and illustrate each word’s meaning with pictures or scenes. This helps reinforce understanding through both words and visuals.
How can I teach vocabulary from 'The Bells' in an engaging way?
Engage students with vocabulary from “The Bells” by having them create storyboards or visual vocabulary boards. Students select vocabulary words, find definitions, use them in sentences, and illustrate their meanings, making learning both interactive and memorable.
What are some key vocabulary words to focus on in 'The Bells'?
Some important vocabulary words from “The Bells” include sledges, crystalline, runic, tintinnabulation, rapture, alarum, turbulency, expostulation, palpitating, monody, ghouls, and pæan. Highlighting these terms can deepen students’ understanding of the poem.
What is the best way to have students demonstrate understanding of vocabulary in 'The Bells'?
The best way is to have students visualize vocabulary by choosing words, defining them, writing example sentences, and illustrating their meanings. This approach combines reading, writing, and art for stronger retention.
How do I use Photos for Class to illustrate vocabulary words from 'The Bells'?
To use Photos for Class, type a vocabulary word from “The Bells” into the search bar, select an appropriate image, and add it to your visual vocabulary board. This tool provides safe, copyright-friendly images for classroom projects.
More Storyboard That Activities
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