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. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary related to The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo.
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 Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
- Torso
- Jaunty
- Condescending
- Diligence
- Derogatory
- Cavalierly
- Jovially
- Blithely
- Umbrage
- Discerning
- Daft
- Tremulous
- Rancid
- Ferocity
- Hobo
- Irony
- Mocked
- Vain
- Contrarian
- Antique
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 storyboard that defines and illustrates new vocabulary in The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.
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. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary related to The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo.
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 Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
- Torso
- Jaunty
- Condescending
- Diligence
- Derogatory
- Cavalierly
- Jovially
- Blithely
- Umbrage
- Discerning
- Daft
- Tremulous
- Rancid
- Ferocity
- Hobo
- Irony
- Mocked
- Vain
- Contrarian
- Antique
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 storyboard that defines and illustrates new vocabulary in The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.
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 Vocabulary in The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
Engage students with interactive vocabulary games
Boost learning by incorporating fun, movement-based games that reinforce key vocabulary terms from The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and keep students energized.
Choose a vocabulary game that suits your classroom
Pick a game like Vocabulary Charades, Word Bingo, or Four Corners to match your students' learning styles and classroom space. Variety keeps students engaged and supports diverse learners.
Prepare cards or slips with vocabulary words and definitions
Create sets of cards: some with vocabulary words, others with their definitions. Mix them up to use for matching, drawing, or acting out during the game.
Model how to play and provide clear rules
Demonstrate the game for your class, explaining the steps and goals. Clear instructions help all students participate confidently and learn effectively.
Facilitate and encourage teamwork during play
Group students as needed and encourage them to help each other. Collaboration builds understanding and makes vocabulary practice more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vocabulary in The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
What are some key vocabulary words in The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane?
Key vocabulary words from The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane include terms like torso, jaunty, condescending, diligence, derogatory, cavalierly, jovially, blithely, umbrage, discerning, daft, tremulous, rancid, ferocity, hobo, irony, mocked, vain, contrarian, and antique. These words help students build comprehension and enrich their vocabulary.
How can teachers help students learn vocabulary from The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane?
Teachers can support vocabulary learning by having students define and illustrate each key term, discuss meanings in groups, and create visual vocabulary boards. Previewing terms before reading or reviewing them after a chapter also boosts understanding and retention.
What is a visual vocabulary board activity for The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane?
A visual vocabulary board activity asks students to choose important terms from the book, write their definitions, and create illustrations that show each word’s meaning. This hands-on approach helps deepen comprehension and supports visual learners.
Why is it important to preview vocabulary before reading The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane?
Previewing vocabulary before reading helps students understand the story better and improves overall comprehension. It allows them to recognize and remember new words, making the reading experience smoother and more meaningful.
What are some tips for making vocabulary lessons engaging for 4th and 5th graders?
To engage 4th and 5th graders, use interactive activities like drawing, group discussions, and storyboards. Encourage students to act out terms, connect words to their lives, and collaborate with partners for creativity and fun.
More Storyboard That Activities
Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, The
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
