!["The Latin Deli: An Ars Poetica" - Vocabulary](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-srcsets/rebeccaray/vocabulary----the-latin-deli--an-ars-poetica-.png ""The Latin Deli: An Ars Poetica" - Vocabulary")
Activity Overview
In poetry, just like prose, students will frequently encounter unfamiliar words and terms. When teaching a poem, it is important to ensure students understand these words, as they may not have the same context clues available to them that they would in a prose composition. Also, because poetry frequently relies on dense structure and language to convey complex concepts, a missing word can severely impact student comprehension of poetry.
After you have read the poem once, ask your students to create a list of words that they need to know. Research and discuss the words, either as a class or in small groups, so that students can help fill in the gaps in each other's knowledge. Finally, have students create a storyboard that depicts and explains the use of each word, term, or phrase they have learned to cement them.
Here are some examples of items to know Ortiz Cofer’s poem:
- formica counter
- plantains
- dólares
- suspiros o merengues
- jamón y queso
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 Latin Deli: An Ars Poetica" 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
In poetry, just like prose, students will frequently encounter unfamiliar words and terms. When teaching a poem, it is important to ensure students understand these words, as they may not have the same context clues available to them that they would in a prose composition. Also, because poetry frequently relies on dense structure and language to convey complex concepts, a missing word can severely impact student comprehension of poetry.
After you have read the poem once, ask your students to create a list of words that they need to know. Research and discuss the words, either as a class or in small groups, so that students can help fill in the gaps in each other's knowledge. Finally, have students create a storyboard that depicts and explains the use of each word, term, or phrase they have learned to cement them.
Here are some examples of items to know Ortiz Cofer’s poem:
- formica counter
- plantains
- dólares
- suspiros o merengues
- jamón y queso
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 Latin Deli: An Ars Poetica" 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 Visual Vocabulary in The Latin Deli
How to Differentiate Visual Vocabulary Activities for Diverse Learners
Recognize that students have varied language backgrounds and learning needs. Offering multiple entry points helps all learners feel included and supported.
Offer word choices at different complexity levels
Provide a mix of simple and challenging vocabulary so each student can select words that match their readiness. This scaffolds participation and builds confidence.
Allow students to choose their preferred visualization method
Encourage students to draw, collage, use digital tools, or act out words as fits their strengths. Student choice boosts engagement and taps into different learning styles.
Pair students strategically for peer support
Partner students so that English learners or struggling readers work with peers who can model and guide. Peer discussion deepens understanding for both students.
Provide sentence starters and visual cues
Give sentence frames and examples of illustrated vocabulary to help students who need extra support. Visual and linguistic scaffolds make the task accessible for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visual Vocabulary in The Latin Deli
What is a visual vocabulary activity for 'The Latin Deli' poem?
A visual vocabulary activity for "The Latin Deli" involves students choosing unfamiliar words from the poem, defining them, writing example sentences, and illustrating their meanings with drawings or photos. This helps deepen understanding of both vocabulary and poetry.
How can I help students understand difficult words in poetry?
To help students with difficult words in poetry, have them list unknown terms after reading, research definitions together, discuss meanings as a class or in groups, and use visuals or storyboards to reinforce understanding.
Why is visualizing vocabulary effective for teaching poems like 'The Latin Deli'?
Visualizing vocabulary makes abstract words concrete, aids memory, and helps students connect language to imagery—essential in poetry like "The Latin Deli," where cultural terms and symbolism are key to comprehension.
What are some examples of vocabulary words to teach from 'The Latin Deli'?
Examples of vocabulary words from "The Latin Deli" include formica counter, plantains, dólares, suspiros o merengues, and jamón y queso. Choose culturally significant or unfamiliar terms for students.
What steps should I follow to create a visual vocabulary board for a poem?
To create a visual vocabulary board: 1) Pick three words from the poem, 2) Find their definitions, 3) Write a sentence for each, and 4) Illustrate the meaning with drawings or photos in a storyboard format.
More Storyboard That Activities
Latin Deli An Ars Poetica, The
![The Latin Deli: An Ars Poetica by Judith Ortiz Cofer - "The Latin Deli: An Ars Poetica" TPCASTT Analysis](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-cells/642073/cell-row-0-col-0-w400.png "The Latin Deli: An Ars Poetica by Judith Ortiz Cofer - "The Latin Deli: An Ars Poetica" TPCASTT Analysis")
- ✨#merengue • jessica mullen • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
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