Activity Overview
Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary from “The Pit and the Pendulum”. 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
- spectres
- gossamer
- swoon
- auto-da-fé
- serge
- chasm
- daubed
- aperture
- insuperable
- charnel
- surcingle
- scimitar
- moiety
- voracity
- abyss
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 Pit and the Pendulum” 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 Pit and the Pendulum”. 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
- spectres
- gossamer
- swoon
- auto-da-fé
- serge
- chasm
- daubed
- aperture
- insuperable
- charnel
- surcingle
- scimitar
- moiety
- voracity
- abyss
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 Pit and the Pendulum” 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 Pit and the Pendulum\" Vocabulary
How to Teach Vocabulary from 'The Pit and the Pendulum' Using Interactive Word Games
Boost student engagement by incorporating fun, interactive word games alongside visual boards. Games like vocabulary bingo, charades, or word matching help reinforce word meanings and get everyone actively involved in learning.
Select key vocabulary words for your lesson
Choose 5–10 words from the story that are crucial to comprehension or especially challenging. Focus on words that appear frequently or have important context within the text.
Introduce each word with a quick, creative demonstration
Act out, draw, or use props and visuals to model each word’s meaning before explaining. Making the word come alive helps students remember and understand it.
Play a vocabulary bingo game
Give students bingo cards filled with vocabulary words. Read out definitions or sentences and have students mark the matching word. Offer small prizes to keep excitement high!
Wrap up with a quick vocabulary charades round
Have students act out vocabulary words while classmates guess. This fun activity reinforces meanings and encourages participation. Rotate roles so everyone gets a turn!
Frequently Asked Questions about \"The Pit and the Pendulum\" Vocabulary
What are effective ways to teach 'The Pit and the Pendulum' vocabulary to 9th and 10th graders?
Visual vocabulary boards are an effective way to teach 'The Pit and the Pendulum' terms. Students choose words, find definitions, use each in a sentence, and illustrate the meaning with pictures or scenes. This approach helps reinforce understanding and retention for grades 9–10.
How can I create a visual vocabulary board for 'The Pit and the Pendulum'?
To create a visual vocabulary board, select three vocabulary words from the story, find their definitions, write sentences using each word, and illustrate each word’s meaning using drawings or photos. Tools like Photos for Class or storyboard templates can help make this process engaging and easy.
What are some challenging vocabulary words from 'The Pit and the Pendulum'?
Challenging words from the story include spectres, gossamer, auto-da-fé, chasm, insuperable, charnel, surcingle, scimitar, moiety, voracity, and abyss. Teaching these terms with definitions and visual examples helps students master advanced vocabulary.
Why is using visualizations helpful for learning vocabulary in literature?
Visualizations help students connect words to images, making abstract vocabulary more concrete. This technique boosts memory retention, supports diverse learning styles, and encourages deeper understanding, especially when teaching literature like 'The Pit and the Pendulum.'
What steps should students follow to demonstrate understanding of 'The Pit and the Pendulum' vocabulary?
Students should: 1) choose three vocabulary words, 2) look up each definition, 3) write a sentence using each word, and 4) illustrate each word’s meaning. This process combines research, writing, and creativity to deepen vocabulary mastery.
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