Activity Overview
As students read, they'll likely encounter unfamiliar vocabulary words! A great way to engage students with vocabulary is to have them create visual vocabulary boards with words from “The Monkey’s Paw”. Students can choose to define the word based on context clues before looking it up in a dictionary. Then, they'll create an illustration of the word, whether within the context of "The Monkey's Paw" or their own sentence.
Example "The Monkey's Paw" Vocabulary Words
- rubicund
- fakir
- grimace
- talisman
- simian
- doughty
- credulity
- prosaic
- antimacassar
- fusillade
- reverberated
- finesse
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 Monkey’s Paw” 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
As students read, they'll likely encounter unfamiliar vocabulary words! A great way to engage students with vocabulary is to have them create visual vocabulary boards with words from “The Monkey’s Paw”. Students can choose to define the word based on context clues before looking it up in a dictionary. Then, they'll create an illustration of the word, whether within the context of "The Monkey's Paw" or their own sentence.
Example "The Monkey's Paw" Vocabulary Words
- rubicund
- fakir
- grimace
- talisman
- simian
- doughty
- credulity
- prosaic
- antimacassar
- fusillade
- reverberated
- finesse
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 Monkey’s Paw” 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 Monkey\'s Paw\" Vocabulary
Make Vocabulary Boards Interactive with Peer Review
Invite students to swap their visual vocabulary boards with a classmate. This helps students see different perspectives and reinforces learning through collaboration.
Guide Students to Give Constructive Feedback
Ask each student to leave a positive comment and a suggestion for improvement on their peer’s board. Feedback encourages thoughtful engagement and growth.
Facilitate a Quick Vocabulary Gallery Walk
Display all boards around the room or virtually. Allow students to walk around and observe classmates’ work, building a stronger connection to the new vocabulary.
Encourage Reflection on Vocabulary Mastery
Have students jot down one new word or illustration that stood out to them during the review. This reflection reinforces retention and celebrates creative approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions about \"The Monkey\'s Paw\" Vocabulary
What are effective ways to teach vocabulary from 'The Monkey's Paw'?
Effective ways to teach vocabulary from 'The Monkey's Paw' include using visual vocabulary boards, encouraging students to define words using context clues, and having them illustrate the meaning through drawings or photographs. This helps deepen understanding and retention.
How can students create visual vocabulary boards for 'The Monkey's Paw'?
Students can create visual vocabulary boards by choosing unfamiliar words from the story, finding their definitions, writing sample sentences, and illustrating the words using scenes, characters, or items. Digital tools or image searches can also be used for visuals.
What are some challenging vocabulary words in 'The Monkey's Paw'?
Some challenging vocabulary words in 'The Monkey's Paw' include rubicund, fakir, talisman, simian, doughty, credulity, and fusillade. These words are ideal for vocabulary activities.
Why is using context clues important in vocabulary lessons?
Using context clues helps students infer the meaning of new words based on how they're used in the story. This builds critical reading skills and encourages independent learning before consulting a dictionary.
What is a sample activity for teaching 'The Monkey's Paw' vocabulary in high school?
A sample activity is to assign students to pick three new words from 'The Monkey's Paw', define each word, write a sentence using it, and draw or find an image that represents its meaning. This can be done individually or with a partner.
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