Activity Overview
Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary from The Color Purple. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the novel, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
The Color Purple Vocabulary
- fractious
- ululation
- clabber
- innate
- downtrodden
- berths
- Pidgin
- corrugated
- terrapin
- vesper
- verbosity
- antimacassar
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 Color Purple 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 Color Purple. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the novel, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
The Color Purple Vocabulary
- fractious
- ululation
- clabber
- innate
- downtrodden
- berths
- Pidgin
- corrugated
- terrapin
- vesper
- verbosity
- antimacassar
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 Color Purple 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 Color Purple Vocabulary
Plan an interactive vocabulary review game for your class
Boost student engagement and solidify understanding of vocabulary from The Color Purple by organizing a fun, interactive review game. Games reinforce learning and help students recall definitions in a lively way.
Select key vocabulary words and group students
Pick 8-10 relevant vocabulary words and divide students into small teams. Working in groups encourages collaboration and makes the review process more dynamic.
Create game cards with definitions, sentences, and visuals
Prepare cards for each word—one with the word, one with its definition, one with a sample sentence, and one with a simple drawing or image. This supports multiple learning styles and keeps the activity hands-on.
Explain and play a matching or charades-style game
Choose a matching game (students pair words to definitions/images) or charades (act out the word while others guess). Gamifying vocabulary makes review sessions memorable and fun.
Review answers together and discuss tricky words
Go over each word as a class, clarifying any confusion and celebrating creative thinking. This helps ensure everyone leaves with a better grasp of the vocabulary.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Color Purple Vocabulary
What are effective vocabulary activities for teaching 'The Color Purple'?
Effective vocabulary activities for teaching The Color Purple include creating visual vocabulary boards, using word mapping, and having students illustrate words through storyboards. These strategies help students connect new terms to the novel and deepen comprehension.
How can I make vocabulary lessons from 'The Color Purple' more engaging for high school students?
To make vocabulary lessons more engaging, encourage students to visualize words with images or scenes from the novel, work in pairs to discuss meanings, or use interactive digital tools like storyboard creators. This approach fosters creativity and better retention.
What is a visual vocabulary board and how is it used with 'The Color Purple'?
A visual vocabulary board is a graphic organizer where students define words, use them in sentences, and illustrate their meanings with pictures or scenes. For The Color Purple, students can select key terms, find definitions, and create visuals to reinforce understanding.
Which vocabulary words should I focus on when teaching 'The Color Purple'?
Focus on challenging or thematic words such as fractious, ululation, innate, downtrodden, Pidgin, corrugated, vesper, verbosity, and others that are central to the novel's context. These words build students' literary vocabulary and comprehension.
How do I create a storyboard for vocabulary from 'The Color Purple'?
To create a storyboard for vocabulary, have students choose three key words, look up their definitions, use each in a sentence, and illustrate meanings using scenes or characters. Digital tools or drawing can make this process interactive and fun.
More Storyboard That Activities
Color Purple, The
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
