Activity Overview
When students read, chances are they'll encounter vocabulary they don't know! Sometimes they can guess the meaning from context, and other times they might not be able to. A great way to engage your students while they read is having them create a visual vocabulary board that uses words from the play. Many students struggle with the meaning of common terms; getting them to use them in context before reading is an excellent way to cultivate the comprehension of vocabulary. Here are a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the book:
Example The Crucible Vocabulary Words
- crucible
- persecute
- heathen
- hysterical
- prodigious
- purge
- creed
- ordinance
- predilection
- conjure
- maraud
- calumny
- afflict
- enrapture
- grapple
- apparition
- guile
- transfixed
- gaunt
- penitence
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 Crucible 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
- [ELA-Literacy/SL/9-10/6] Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grades 9–10 Language standards 1 and 3 here for specific expectations.)
- [ELA-Literacy/L/9-10/3] Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening
- [ELA-Literacy/L/9-10/5] Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings
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 To Explain Word Relationships To ELA Students
Explain Key Terms
Start with defining key terminology such prefixes, suffixes, root words, homophones, homographs, homonyms, analogies, and homophones. Make sure you speak in simple, student-friendly terms and give examples for each topic.
Give Contextual Examples
For each terminology, give contextual examples to the students which can help them understand better and retain the information. Teachers can choose one simple story and continue to use it to explain most of the concepts.
Adjust According to Proficiency Levels
There can be students from different cultures and backgrounds in the class with different proficiency levels. Teachers should adjust their pace and customize their lessons according to the understanding level of the students. To create a more comfortable environment, the teachers can also give examples from different cultures.
Give Practice Exercises
Ask students to find synonyms, antonyms, analogies, or other word associations in a paragraph from a book or article. Give the students a brief writing assignment where they must use the newly learned vocabulary from the language. Encourage your students to use synonyms and antonyms in their writing.
Test Regularly
Conduct frequent review sessions and tests during the learning process to solidify the knowledge. Encourage your students to utilize the vocabulary in their written and oral work as well as in their daily lives. Students can also engage in conversations with each other and test each other's knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Crucible Visual Vocabulary
How may the use of visual vocabulary tools improve understanding of "The Crucible"?
By giving students a visual context, visual vocabulary aids students in learning abstract or difficult-to-understand topics. It can aid students in creating mental pictures of important characters, places, and scenarios, which can improve their understanding and memory of the subject matter. Students can also foster creativity and enhance their imagination using visual vocabulary as some fictional settings are hard to comprehend and understand.
How can "The Crucible" be taught in the classroom while including visual vocabulary?
Start by utilizing visuals to introduce the play's themes, characters, and setting. If there are any difficult words of complex vocabulary that students find intimidating or hard to remember, teachers can also use visual vocabulary exercises for those complex words. Discussions, exercises, and presentations in class should all use visual vocabulary. Teachers can assign assignments including visual vocabulary, such as character profiles or marking strategic areas on a map.
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Crucible, The
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