Activity Overview
Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary from "The Fall of the House of Usher". Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the story, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
Example Vocabulary Words from "The Fall of the House of Usher"
- sublime
- tarn
- arabesque
- cataleptical
- invalid
- pervade
- melancholy
- manifest
- dilapidated
- insufferable
- lapse
- goad
- grapple
- annihilate
- sojourn
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 Fall of the House of Usher" 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 Fall of the House of Usher". Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the story, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
Example Vocabulary Words from "The Fall of the House of Usher"
- sublime
- tarn
- arabesque
- cataleptical
- invalid
- pervade
- melancholy
- manifest
- dilapidated
- insufferable
- lapse
- goad
- grapple
- annihilate
- sojourn
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 Fall of the House of Usher" 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 \"The Fall of the House of Usher\" Vocabulary
How to Incorporate Vocabulary Games into 'The Fall of the House of Usher' Lessons
Boost student engagement by adding interactive vocabulary games tailored to 'The Fall of the House of Usher.' Games make complex words memorable and fun, helping all learners connect with challenging text.
Select key vocabulary words for game play
Pick 8–10 essential terms from the story, focusing on words that are most challenging or central to comprehension. This ensures the game is both educational and relevant.
Choose a game format that fits your class
Decide whether to use Bingo, Jeopardy, Memory Match, or Charades. Each format supports different learning styles—visual, auditory, or kinesthetic.
Prepare materials and instructions in advance
Print or display word cards, clues, and game boards. Clearly explain the rules, so students know how to play and what to focus on for each round.
Facilitate and monitor game play
Guide students as they play, offering clarification and encouragement. Use this time to assess understanding and provide quick support as needed.
Review and discuss the vocabulary after the game
Wrap up by asking students to explain definitions, share examples, or use words in context. This solidifies learning and gives everyone a chance to participate.
Frequently Asked Questions about \"The Fall of the House of Usher\" Vocabulary
What are effective ways to teach "The Fall of the House of Usher" vocabulary to high school students?
Visual vocabulary boards are an engaging method for teaching "The Fall of the House of Usher" vocabulary. Students select words, define them, use them in sentences, and create illustrations—helping reinforce learning through both visual and contextual practice.
How do I create a visual vocabulary board for "The Fall of the House of Usher"?
To make a visual vocabulary board, choose 3 vocabulary words from the story, find their definitions, write an original sentence for each, and illustrate the meanings using scenes, characters, or online images. This helps students connect words to visual cues and deepen understanding.
Which vocabulary words should I focus on when teaching this story?
Key vocabulary from "The Fall of the House of Usher" includes sublime, tarn, arabesque, cataleptical, invalid, pervade, manifest, dilapidated, and more. Select words that fit your students’ reading levels and lesson goals.
What is the purpose of using illustrations in vocabulary activities?
Illustrations help students visualize and remember new vocabulary by connecting words to images. This multimodal approach supports better retention, especially for complex or unfamiliar terms found in literary texts.
Can vocabulary activities be adapted for group or partner work?
Yes! Visual vocabulary boards can be completed individually or in pairs. Partner work encourages collaboration, discussion, and peer learning, making activities more interactive and effective for high school classrooms.
More Storyboard That Activities
Fall of the House of Usher, The
![The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe - "The Fall of the House of Usher" Summary](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-cells/1544286/cell-row-0-col-0-w400.png "The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe - "The Fall of the House of Usher" Summary")
![The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe - "The Fall of the House of Usher" OSCAR Analysis](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-cells/1544372/cell-col-1-row-0-w400.png "The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe - "The Fall of the House of Usher" OSCAR Analysis")
- 1971 At Cho Ray, the huge teaching hospital in Saigon, a Vietnamese nurse examines the dressings on a young patient's arm after assuring her that she will not lose her arm • tommy japan • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Arabesque ship • Untitled blue • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Sublime • Solis Invicti • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Watchful tarn, your mirrored eye • @sage_solar • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Whose toes are those? • Identity Photogr@phy • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
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
