Activity Overview
A great way to engage your students is by creating a storyboard that uses vocabulary from The Cricket in Times Square.
In this activity, students demonstrate their understanding of vocabulary words using sentences and corresponding images. Students may be provided the vocabulary words, or they can use words that they have discovered through their reading of the text. The sentences and images validate their understanding of the word and the context that it was used in the story.
Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the story and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
The Cricket in Times Square Vocabulary
- billow
- ruined
- praise
- scornfully
- cautiously
- eavesdrop
- dart
- munch
- explore
- whisper
- peer
- peculiar
- refuse
- anxiously
- entomologist
- recital
- jinx
- dwindled
- salvage
- meekly
- reproaches
- melancholy
- stout
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 Cricket in Times Square 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
A great way to engage your students is by creating a storyboard that uses vocabulary from The Cricket in Times Square.
In this activity, students demonstrate their understanding of vocabulary words using sentences and corresponding images. Students may be provided the vocabulary words, or they can use words that they have discovered through their reading of the text. The sentences and images validate their understanding of the word and the context that it was used in the story.
Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the story and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
The Cricket in Times Square Vocabulary
- billow
- ruined
- praise
- scornfully
- cautiously
- eavesdrop
- dart
- munch
- explore
- whisper
- peer
- peculiar
- refuse
- anxiously
- entomologist
- recital
- jinx
- dwindled
- salvage
- meekly
- reproaches
- melancholy
- stout
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 Cricket in Times Square 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 Cricket in Times Square Vocabulary
Organize a Vocabulary Word Wall for Ongoing Reference
Set up a dedicated space in your classroom where students can add new vocabulary words from The Cricket in Times Square as they encounter them. This encourages daily interaction and helps reinforce word meanings throughout your unit.
Invite students to contribute words they find challenging
Encourage students to write tricky or interesting words from their reading on slips of paper and post them on the wall. Student choice boosts engagement and ownership over vocabulary learning.
Add definitions and visual examples together
Collaborate as a class to look up each word’s definition and draw a quick sketch or find a picture that shows its meaning. Visuals help cement understanding for all learners.
Review and use wall words in daily activities
Integrate vocabulary from the wall into morning meetings, reading discussions, and writing prompts. Frequent use in context builds confidence and recall.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cricket in Times Square Vocabulary
What is a visual vocabulary board for The Cricket in Times Square?
A visual vocabulary board is an activity where students select words from The Cricket in Times Square, define them, use them in sentences, and illustrate their meanings with images. This helps deepen understanding and retention of new vocabulary.
How can I teach vocabulary from The Cricket in Times Square effectively?
Engage students by having them choose vocabulary words, research definitions, write sentences, and create visual representations. Using storyboards or digital tools makes learning interactive and supports different learning styles.
What are some commonly taught vocabulary words from The Cricket in Times Square?
Some commonly taught vocabulary words include billow, ruined, praise, cautiously, eavesdrop, peculiar, anxiously, entomologist, melancholy, and more. These words are often highlighted to build comprehension and enrich students' vocabularies.
What steps should students follow to make a vocabulary storyboard for The Cricket in Times Square?
Students should: 1) Choose three vocabulary words from the story, 2) Find and write their definitions, 3) Use each word in a sentence, and 4) Illustrate each word's meaning with images or scenes. This process reinforces word understanding in context.
Why is using images important when teaching vocabulary from literature?
Using images helps students link words to visual concepts, making abstract terms more concrete. Visuals boost memory, comprehension, and engagement, especially for younger learners or visual thinkers.
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