Activity Overview
Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary from “The Minister’s Black Veil”. 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
- crape (crepe)
- sexton
- iniquity
- hoary
- torpor
- spruce
- semblance
- abstracted
- variance
- vagary
- intimate
- omniscient
- knell
- bugbear
- celestial
- indecorous
- profane
- mitigate
- ostentatious
- waggery
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 Minister’s Black Veil” 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 Minister’s Black Veil”. 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
- crape (crepe)
- sexton
- iniquity
- hoary
- torpor
- spruce
- semblance
- abstracted
- variance
- vagary
- intimate
- omniscient
- knell
- bugbear
- celestial
- indecorous
- profane
- mitigate
- ostentatious
- waggery
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 Minister’s Black Veil” 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 Minister’s Black Veil” Vocabulary
Organize a classroom vocabulary word wall for 'The Minister’s Black Veil'
Build a dedicated space on your classroom wall to display key vocabulary from “The Minister’s Black Veil”. This helps students visually reinforce and reference words throughout the unit, boosting retention and interest.
Select and print vocabulary cards with definitions and images
Choose 8–12 essential vocabulary words and print cards showing each word, its definition, and a relevant image. Visuals help students connect meaning faster and make the display more engaging.
Invite students to contribute sentence examples
Encourage students to write their own sentences using each word and add them to the wall. This active participation deepens understanding and gives students ownership of their learning.
Use the word wall for quick daily review games
Start class with a quick matching, charades, or definition challenge using the word wall. Frequent, low-pressure practice cements vocabulary in a fun, memorable way.
Rotate and refresh vocabulary words as you progress through the story
Swap out or add new vocabulary words as students encounter them in the text. Keeping the wall current ensures it stays relevant and maximizes learning impact.
Frequently Asked Questions about “The Minister’s Black Veil” Vocabulary
What are effective vocabulary activities for teaching 'The Minister’s Black Veil'?
Visual vocabulary boards are a highly effective method for teaching key terms from 'The Minister’s Black Veil.' Students select vocabulary words, define them, use them in sentences, and create illustrations or photo collages to reinforce understanding. This approach deepens engagement and helps students retain new words.
How can I help students understand difficult vocabulary in 'The Minister’s Black Veil'?
Encourage students to research definitions, use words in context, and create visual representations. Tools like storyboards or Photos for Class can make abstract vocabulary concrete and relatable for high school students.
What is a visual vocabulary board and how do you use it for literature lessons?
A visual vocabulary board is a graphic organizer where students display important terms, their definitions, sample sentences, and images that illustrate meaning. For literature like 'The Minister’s Black Veil,' students choose challenging words, define them, and create or find visuals to deepen comprehension.
Can visual vocabulary boards be used for group or individual work?
Yes, visual vocabulary boards work well for both individual and partner activities, allowing flexibility for teachers to tailor lessons to student needs and classroom dynamics.
What grade levels are visual vocabulary boards best suited for?
Visual vocabulary boards are ideal for grades 9–10, but can be adapted for other grade levels to introduce or reinforce vocabulary in a creative and engaging way.
More Storyboard That Activities
Minister's Black Veil, The
![The Minister's Black Veil by Nathaniel Hawthorne - "The Minister’s Black Veil” Summary](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-cells/1710356/cell-col-0-row-0-w400.png "The Minister's Black Veil by Nathaniel Hawthorne - "The Minister’s Black Veil” Summary")
![The Minister's Black Veil by Nathaniel Hawthorne - OSCAR for "The Minister's Black Veil"](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-cells/1710365/cell-col-0-row-0-w400.png "The Minister's Black Veil by Nathaniel Hawthorne - OSCAR for "The Minister's Black Veil"")
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
