Activity Overview
"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" was first published in the early 1800s in The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent., so many of the words may be unfamiliar to students. Often, new words pertaining to an unfamiliar context need to be mastered before a student can understand nuances in the story. Allow students to display mastery of new words by creating a visual vocabulary board.
Here are a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the story, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" Vocabulary
- coquette
- tethered
- querulous
- gambols
- reverie
- sojourned
- pedagogue
- cudgelled
- psalmody
- perambulations
- waggery
- boorish
- lamentations
- roystering
- niggardly
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 Legend of Sleepy Hollow" 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
"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" was first published in the early 1800s in The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent., so many of the words may be unfamiliar to students. Often, new words pertaining to an unfamiliar context need to be mastered before a student can understand nuances in the story. Allow students to display mastery of new words by creating a visual vocabulary board.
Here are a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the story, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" Vocabulary
- coquette
- tethered
- querulous
- gambols
- reverie
- sojourned
- pedagogue
- cudgelled
- psalmody
- perambulations
- waggery
- boorish
- lamentations
- roystering
- niggardly
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 Legend of Sleepy Hollow" 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 Legend of Sleepy Hollow\" Vocabulary
Integrate vocabulary words into daily classroom discussions
Encourage students to use new vocabulary during class by weaving words into questions and prompts. Consistent exposure helps deepen understanding and boosts confidence in using the terms naturally.
Model using vocabulary in context-rich sentences
Create example sentences related to students’ lives or current lessons. Demonstrating real-life usage makes words more memorable and relevant for learners.
Design engaging vocabulary games for review
Organize activities like charades, matching, or word bingo that feature the target vocabulary. Interactive review strengthens recall and makes learning enjoyable.
Assign quick-write reflections using target vocabulary
Ask students to write a short paragraph or journal entry using several vocabulary words. Writing practice reinforces word meanings and encourages creative application.
Frequently Asked Questions about \"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow\" Vocabulary
What are some key vocabulary words from 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'?
Some important vocabulary words from 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' include coquette, tethered, querulous, gambols, reverie, sojourned, pedagogue, cudgelled, psalmody, perambulations, waggery, boorish, lamentations, roystering, and niggardly.
How can I create a visual vocabulary board for 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'?
To create a visual vocabulary board, choose three vocabulary words, define each using a dictionary, write a sentence with the word, and illustrate its meaning with drawings or images. You can also use Photos for Class to find relevant pictures.
What is the best way to teach challenging vocabulary from classic stories to 4th and 5th graders?
The best way is to use visual aids like vocabulary boards, encourage students to use words in sentences, and connect new terms to familiar contexts. Interactive activities help reinforce understanding.
Why is it important to learn vocabulary before reading 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'?
Learning vocabulary first helps students understand the story's context, grasp subtle meanings, and fully engage with the narrative, especially since the language can be old-fashioned or unfamiliar.
Are there easy activities to reinforce vocabulary from 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'?
Yes, activities like creating visual vocabulary boards, using vocabulary in original sentences, and group discussions make learning new words from the story both fun and effective for students.
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