Activity Overview
Say’s beautiful illustrations in the book are also paired with rich language. The language is simple, yet elegant. In this activity, students demonstrate their understanding of adjectives by finding textual evidence in the story. Students will compile a list of adjectives that Say uses in the text to help the reader make a picture in their mind. Using a spider map, the students will add the text with the adjective and then illustrate what they see when they hear the phrase.
Phrase from Text: gaping windows
"They peered into gaping windows of empty houses with not a single piece of furniture inside."
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
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the headings, write the examples of an adjectives in the poem.
- In the descriptions, write the line of the poem that contains the adjectives.
- Add illustrations that use the appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illustrations | The illustrations use appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the assignment. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
Say’s beautiful illustrations in the book are also paired with rich language. The language is simple, yet elegant. In this activity, students demonstrate their understanding of adjectives by finding textual evidence in the story. Students will compile a list of adjectives that Say uses in the text to help the reader make a picture in their mind. Using a spider map, the students will add the text with the adjective and then illustrate what they see when they hear the phrase.
Phrase from Text: gaping windows
"They peered into gaping windows of empty houses with not a single piece of furniture inside."
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
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the headings, write the examples of an adjectives in the poem.
- In the descriptions, write the line of the poem that contains the adjectives.
- Add illustrations that use the appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illustrations | The illustrations use appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the assignment. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about The Sign Painter Word Study: Adjectives
Engage students with a classroom adjective scavenger hunt
Boost participation by inviting students to find real-life examples of adjectives around the classroom or in their reading materials. This interactive hunt helps reinforce descriptive language skills and encourages students to notice adjectives in everyday contexts.
Model finding adjectives in a familiar text together
Demonstrate the process by reading a short passage aloud and highlighting adjectives as a class. Guided practice builds confidence before students try it independently.
Guide students to record adjectives and their nouns
Encourage accuracy by having students list each adjective along with the noun it describes. This helps clarify how adjectives function within a sentence.
Invite students to illustrate adjective-noun pairs
Make learning visual by asking students to draw what they imagine from each adjective-noun pair. This step deepens comprehension and makes the activity fun and creative.
Share and discuss findings as a class
Foster collaboration by letting students present their favorite adjective-noun pairs and illustrations. Class discussions reinforce understanding and offer new perspectives.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Sign Painter Word Study: Adjectives
What is a word study activity for adjectives using 'The Sign Painter' by Allen Say?
A word study activity for adjectives using The Sign Painter involves students finding and listing descriptive words from the book. They then use these adjectives to illustrate and deepen their understanding of how language creates vivid images in the reader's mind.
How do I help students identify adjectives in 'The Sign Painter'?
Guide students to look for words that describe nouns in the text, such as gaping in “gaping windows.” Encourage them to underline or highlight these words, then discuss how each adjective adds detail or emotion to the story.
What is a spider map and how can it be used for teaching adjectives?
A spider map is a graphic organizer with a central idea and branches. Students write an adjective in the center, then add branches with examples from the text and related illustrations. This visual tool helps organize thoughts and reinforces adjective usage.
What are some examples of adjectives from 'The Sign Painter'?
Examples of adjectives from The Sign Painter include gaping (as in "gaping windows"), along with other descriptive words that paint vivid pictures. Encourage students to find and list more as they read.
Why is it important for students to find textual evidence when studying adjectives?
Finding textual evidence helps students connect grammar concepts to real reading. It teaches them to support their ideas, builds close reading skills, and shows how adjectives make stories more engaging and visual.
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