Activity Overview
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary that students will see in their readings or presentations aids in overall comprehension and retention. For this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates terms that are commonly used in Japan, and are used frequently in The Last Cherry Blossom.
Students will preview the terms and definitions and use whole class or small group discussion to demonstrate their understanding of each meaning. This can be done at the beginning of each chapter so that students can preview what they will read or teachers could decide to do at the end of a chapter as an assessment. When students define and illustrate each term, they master the application of it and retain it as part of their lexicon.
Example Vocabulary from The Last Cherry Blossom
Chohei Pati: A celebration for soldiers who are about to go to war.
Geta: A type of sandal worn with a kimono.
Joya: ”Young lady”. It is a term of endearment for a young girl.
Kimono: A formal Japanese robe.
Koi: Ornamental Japanese fish kept in small ponds in Japanese gardens.
Koseki: An official family register (family tree).
Kushu Da: An air raid, which is the dropping of bombs from a plane to the ground.
Obi:A belt used to tie a kimono.
Oshagatsu: The New Year’s celebration.
Sakura: Cherry blossoms
Sensei: A teacher.
Shoji: A room divider made from paper over a wood frame used in traditional Japanese homes.
Soba: Thin noodles used in soup. They can also be served without broth and prepared hot, cold, or fried.
Zabuton: Floor cushions used as seats around a traditional Japanese dinner table.
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 illustrates and defines Japanese terms The Last Cherry Blossom.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the key terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements: Must have 3 terms, correct definitions, 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 | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | The definition is correct. | The definition is partially correct. | The definition is incorrect. |
| 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
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary that students will see in their readings or presentations aids in overall comprehension and retention. For this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates terms that are commonly used in Japan, and are used frequently in The Last Cherry Blossom.
Students will preview the terms and definitions and use whole class or small group discussion to demonstrate their understanding of each meaning. This can be done at the beginning of each chapter so that students can preview what they will read or teachers could decide to do at the end of a chapter as an assessment. When students define and illustrate each term, they master the application of it and retain it as part of their lexicon.
Example Vocabulary from The Last Cherry Blossom
Chohei Pati: A celebration for soldiers who are about to go to war.
Geta: A type of sandal worn with a kimono.
Joya: ”Young lady”. It is a term of endearment for a young girl.
Kimono: A formal Japanese robe.
Koi: Ornamental Japanese fish kept in small ponds in Japanese gardens.
Koseki: An official family register (family tree).
Kushu Da: An air raid, which is the dropping of bombs from a plane to the ground.
Obi:A belt used to tie a kimono.
Oshagatsu: The New Year’s celebration.
Sakura: Cherry blossoms
Sensei: A teacher.
Shoji: A room divider made from paper over a wood frame used in traditional Japanese homes.
Soba: Thin noodles used in soup. They can also be served without broth and prepared hot, cold, or fried.
Zabuton: Floor cushions used as seats around a traditional Japanese dinner table.
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 illustrates and defines Japanese terms The Last Cherry Blossom.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the key terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements: Must have 3 terms, correct definitions, 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 | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | The definition is correct. | The definition is partially correct. | The definition is incorrect. |
| 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 Last Cherry Blossom Visual Vocabulary
Engage Students with Contextual Sentence Writing for Vocabulary
Encourage students to use each new vocabulary word in a meaningful sentence related to The Last Cherry Blossom. This reinforces understanding by connecting the term to the story's context and helps students remember how to use the word correctly.
Model Sentence Creation as a Class
Choose one vocabulary word and, as a class, brainstorm a sentence using it in context. Discuss why the sentence works and highlight how it connects with the story or Japanese culture.
Assign Students to Write Their Own Sentences
Have each student pick a vocabulary word and write an original sentence that shows the meaning within the context of The Last Cherry Blossom. Make sure they reference a character, event, or setting from the book for a deeper connection.
Share and Discuss Sentences in Pairs or Small Groups
Ask students to share their sentences with a partner or group. Encourage feedback on whether the sentence shows the word's meaning clearly. This supports peer learning and clarifies misunderstandings.
Display the Best Sentences as Class Examples
Select a few strong sentences to share with the whole class or post on a vocabulary wall. Celebrating student work boosts motivation and provides useful reference points for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Last Cherry Blossom Visual Vocabulary
What is a visual vocabulary board for The Last Cherry Blossom?
A visual vocabulary board for The Last Cherry Blossom is an activity where students define and illustrate key Japanese terms from the novel, helping them understand and remember important concepts and cultural elements as they read.
How can I teach Japanese vocabulary from The Last Cherry Blossom effectively?
To teach Japanese vocabulary effectively, introduce terms before reading each chapter, encourage students to define and illustrate them, and use group discussions to reinforce understanding. This approach builds comprehension and retention of new words.
Why is it important to introduce key terms before reading The Last Cherry Blossom?
Introducing key terms before reading helps students understand the text, recognize cultural references, and boosts their confidence when encountering unfamiliar Japanese words.
What are some examples of Japanese vocabulary in The Last Cherry Blossom?
Examples include kimono (traditional robe), koi (ornamental fish), getta (sandals), sakura (cherry blossoms), and sensei (teacher). Each term provides cultural context for the story.
What are the steps for creating a visual vocabulary storyboard assignment?
Steps: 1) Click "Start Assignment," 2) Select key terms, 3) Write definitions, 4) Create illustrations for each term, 5) Save and exit once finished. Make sure each term is accurately defined and appropriately illustrated.
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