Activity Overview
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary found in the book The Girl Who Drank The Moon. Teachers may provide students with a list of words to define, or have students identify the words they are unfamiliar with.
Example Vocabulary from The Girl Who Drank The Moon
admiration: (noun) respect, appreciation, veneration
belligerent: (adjective) aggressive, hostile, antagonistic
bellow: (verb) roar, shout, scream
bog: (noun) marsh, swamp, quagmire
bulbous: (adjective) swollen, bulging, bloated
caress: (verb) gently touch
contemplation: (noun) study, scrutiny, survey
compliant: (adjective) cooperative, accommodating
crinkly: (adjective) wrinkled, creased, crimped
eruption: (noun) explosion
fidget: (verb) twitch, wiggle, twist
treacherous: (adjective) disloyal, traitorous, backstabbing
inexplicable: (adjective) puzzling, unexplainable, incomprehensible
inscribed: (adjective) written, engraved, carved
lunatic: (adjective) mad, insane
malevolence: (noun) malice, hatred, hostility
noxious: (adjective) toxic, poisonous, deadly
precarious: (adjective) dangerous, risky, perilous
scoff: (verb) mock, ridicule, make fun of
tenacious: (adjective) firm, strong, unshakeable
undulated: (adjective) wavy
whimpering: (adjective) sobbing, moaning, whining
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map that defines and illustrates key vocabulary from The Girl Who Drank The Moon.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the vocabulary terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition or description of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: Must have 3 vocabulary terms, correct definitions or descriptions, and appropriate illustrations for each that demonstrate your understanding of the words.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definitions | The vocabulary words are correctly defined. | The meaning of the vocabulary words can be understood but it is somewhat unclear. | The vocabulary word is not clearly defined |
| Illustrations | The storyboard illustrations clearly depict the meaning of the vocabulary words. | The illustrations relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words but it they are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary found in the book The Girl Who Drank The Moon. Teachers may provide students with a list of words to define, or have students identify the words they are unfamiliar with.
Example Vocabulary from The Girl Who Drank The Moon
admiration: (noun) respect, appreciation, veneration
belligerent: (adjective) aggressive, hostile, antagonistic
bellow: (verb) roar, shout, scream
bog: (noun) marsh, swamp, quagmire
bulbous: (adjective) swollen, bulging, bloated
caress: (verb) gently touch
contemplation: (noun) study, scrutiny, survey
compliant: (adjective) cooperative, accommodating
crinkly: (adjective) wrinkled, creased, crimped
eruption: (noun) explosion
fidget: (verb) twitch, wiggle, twist
treacherous: (adjective) disloyal, traitorous, backstabbing
inexplicable: (adjective) puzzling, unexplainable, incomprehensible
inscribed: (adjective) written, engraved, carved
lunatic: (adjective) mad, insane
malevolence: (noun) malice, hatred, hostility
noxious: (adjective) toxic, poisonous, deadly
precarious: (adjective) dangerous, risky, perilous
scoff: (verb) mock, ridicule, make fun of
tenacious: (adjective) firm, strong, unshakeable
undulated: (adjective) wavy
whimpering: (adjective) sobbing, moaning, whining
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map that defines and illustrates key vocabulary from The Girl Who Drank The Moon.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the vocabulary terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition or description of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: Must have 3 vocabulary terms, correct definitions or descriptions, and appropriate illustrations for each that demonstrate your understanding of the words.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definitions | The vocabulary words are correctly defined. | The meaning of the vocabulary words can be understood but it is somewhat unclear. | The vocabulary word is not clearly defined |
| Illustrations | The storyboard illustrations clearly depict the meaning of the vocabulary words. | The illustrations relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words but it they are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Illustrating Vocabulary The Girl Who Drank the Moon
Incorporate vocabulary games to boost engagement
Boost student participation with fun vocabulary games that reinforce key terms before and after the storyboard activity. These games spark interest, encourage collaboration, and help students internalize new words in memorable ways.
Choose a game format that fits your class
Select a vocabulary game such as Bingo, Memory Match, Pictionary, or Charades that aligns with your students' energy and learning styles. Matching the format to your class keeps students motivated and focused.
Prepare game materials using class vocabulary
Create cards, lists, or slides featuring your chosen vocabulary from The Girl Who Drank the Moon. Use definitions, synonyms, or illustrations as clues to support different learners.
Model gameplay and clarify rules
Demonstrate how to play the game with a quick example round. Clearly explain the rules and expectations so every student understands how to participate actively and respectfully.
Reflect and connect the game to the lesson
Discuss how the vocabulary words used in the game connect to the book and students’ storyboards. Encourage students to share new words they learned or strategies for remembering definitions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Illustrating Vocabulary The Girl Who Drank the Moon
What is a visual vocabulary board for The Girl Who Drank the Moon?
A visual vocabulary board for The Girl Who Drank the Moon is an activity where students define key terms from the novel and illustrate them using storyboards. This method helps reinforce word meanings and strengthens comprehension through creative visuals.
How can I teach vocabulary from The Girl Who Drank the Moon using illustrations?
To teach vocabulary, have students pick words from the book, write their definitions, and create illustrations that show the meaning of each word. Using visual elements helps students remember and apply new terms in context.
What are some example vocabulary words from The Girl Who Drank the Moon?
Sample vocabulary includes admiration, belligerent, noxious, treacherous, and tenacious. Teachers can provide a list or let students choose unfamiliar words for their assignments.
Why is illustrating vocabulary effective for middle school students?
Illustrating vocabulary engages students visually and creatively, making definitions more memorable. It supports different learning styles and improves both comprehension and retention of new words.
What steps should students follow to complete a vocabulary storyboard assignment?
Students should: 1) Click "Start Assignment", 2) Identify chosen vocabulary terms in title boxes, 3) Write definitions or descriptions, and 4) Create an illustration for each word that demonstrates understanding.
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