Activity Overview
Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that uses vocabulary from The Sunflower. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the book and an example of a visual vocabulary board
The Sunflower Vocabulary
- altruist
- Hitler Youth
- expulsion
- callously
- indignant
- atrocities
- irrefutable
- scrutinize
- juncture
- deterrent
- permeated
- blighted
- volition
- eloquent
- despondently
In the vocabulary board students can choose between coming up with their use of the vocabulary board, finding the specific example from the text, or depicting it without words.
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 Sunflower 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 uses vocabulary from The Sunflower. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the book and an example of a visual vocabulary board
The Sunflower Vocabulary
- altruist
- Hitler Youth
- expulsion
- callously
- indignant
- atrocities
- irrefutable
- scrutinize
- juncture
- deterrent
- permeated
- blighted
- volition
- eloquent
- despondently
In the vocabulary board students can choose between coming up with their use of the vocabulary board, finding the specific example from the text, or depicting it without words.
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 Sunflower 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 Sunflower Vocabulary
Incorporate vocabulary games to boost engagement
Introduce interactive vocabulary games such as charades, bingo, or word matching to make learning The Sunflower vocabulary fun and memorable. Games help students recall words through movement and collaboration, fostering a lively classroom atmosphere.
Group students for peer teaching sessions
Assign each student or small group a set of vocabulary words to master, then have them teach those words to the class using creative methods like skits, posters, or digital presentations. This peer teaching approach encourages deeper understanding and accountability.
Connect vocabulary words to students’ lives
Encourage students to relate new words to their personal experiences by writing short stories or journaling about moments when the vocabulary words applied to their own lives. Personal connections help cement word meanings and foster empathy.
Review vocabulary regularly with quick warm-ups
Begin each class with a 5-minute vocabulary review using flashcards, a word wall, or digital quizzes. Consistent repetition reinforces retention and keeps key terms fresh in students’ minds.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Sunflower Vocabulary
What is a visual vocabulary board for The Sunflower?
A visual vocabulary board for The Sunflower is a teaching tool where students illustrate vocabulary words from the book using images, scenes, or characters to show their understanding. It helps students connect definitions with visual representations for deeper learning.
How do I create a vocabulary storyboard for The Sunflower in my classroom?
To create a vocabulary storyboard for The Sunflower, have students pick three vocabulary words, find definitions, write example sentences, and illustrate each word using drawings, scenes, or photos. This can be done on paper or digitally using tools like Photos for Class.
What are some key vocabulary words to teach from The Sunflower?
Important vocabulary words from The Sunflower include: altruist, expulsion, callously, indignant, atrocities, irrefutable, scrutinize, juncture, deterrent, permeated, blighted, volition, eloquent, and despondently. These words support comprehension and discussion.
Why use visual vocabulary activities when teaching The Sunflower?
Visual vocabulary activities boost engagement and retention by allowing students to connect words with images. For The Sunflower, these activities help students grasp complex terms and themes by making abstract words more concrete and memorable.
What is the best way to assess student understanding using vocabulary boards for The Sunflower?
The best way to assess is to review students’ word choices, definitions, example sentences, and illustrations for accuracy and creativity. Look for clear connections between the vocabulary and their visual representations to gauge comprehension.
More Storyboard That Activities
Sunflower, 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
