Activity Overview
Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary from “The Black Cat”. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the story, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
"The Black Cat" Vocabulary
- baroques
- phantasm
- docility
- sagacious
- tinctured
- vex
- conflagration
- bas-relief
- pertinacity
- premises
- felicity
- allayed
- anomalous
- rubbish
- consigned
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 Black Cat” 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example Sentences | Vocabulary words are used correctly in the example sentences in both meaning and context. | The meaning of the sentences can be understood, but the vocabulary words are used awkwardly or in the wrong context. | The vocabulary words are not used correctly in the example sentences. |
| 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
Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary from “The Black Cat”. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the story, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
"The Black Cat" Vocabulary
- baroques
- phantasm
- docility
- sagacious
- tinctured
- vex
- conflagration
- bas-relief
- pertinacity
- premises
- felicity
- allayed
- anomalous
- rubbish
- consigned
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 Black Cat” 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example Sentences | Vocabulary words are used correctly in the example sentences in both meaning and context. | The meaning of the sentences can be understood, but the vocabulary words are used awkwardly or in the wrong context. | The vocabulary words are not used correctly in the example sentences. |
| 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 \"The Black Cat\" Vocabulary
Organize a collaborative vocabulary review game
Boost engagement by dividing students into small teams and giving each team a set of vocabulary words from "The Black Cat". Have teams create clues, act out meanings, or draw word illustrations for classmates to guess. This encourages active participation and reinforces word understanding in a fun, interactive way.
Assign roles for each group member
Give each student a distinct role, such as clue writer, illustrator, or presenter. This ensures every student contributes and helps build teamwork skills while deepening their grasp of the vocabulary.
Set clear rules and time limits
Establish simple guidelines for taking turns and guessing, and use a timer for each round. Clear structure keeps the game focused and maintains classroom order.
Encourage peer feedback after each round
Invite students to share what strategies helped them guess words or clarify meanings. Positive feedback and discussion reinforce learning and build student confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions about \"The Black Cat\" Vocabulary
What are effective ways to teach "The Black Cat" vocabulary to high school students?
Visual vocabulary boards are an engaging method to teach "The Black Cat" vocabulary. Students select key words, find definitions, write example sentences, and illustrate the meanings using scenes or images, which helps reinforce understanding and retention.
How can students create a visual vocabulary board for "The Black Cat"?
To create a visual vocabulary board for "The Black Cat," students choose three vocabulary words, look up their definitions, write sentences using each word, and illustrate the meanings with drawings or relevant images. Digital tools like Photos for Class make finding images easy.
Why use storyboards for vocabulary lessons in literature classes?
Storyboards make vocabulary learning interactive by combining words with visual elements. This approach supports diverse learning styles, encourages creativity, and helps students remember and apply new terms from stories like "The Black Cat."
What are some key vocabulary words from "The Black Cat" by Edgar Allan Poe?
Commonly taught vocabulary from "The Black Cat" includes baroques, phantasm, docility, sagacious, tinctured, vex, conflagration, bas-relief, pertinacity, felicity, and anomalous.
What is the best way to assess student understanding of vocabulary from "The Black Cat"?
Visual vocabulary activities—such as having students define, use, and illustrate words—offer quick and effective assessment. Teachers can check for accuracy in definitions, contextual sentences, and creative representations of each word.
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