Activity Overview
Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary from The Tempest. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the play, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
The Tempest Vocabulary
- elements
- perdition
- inveterate
- importune
- minister
- prate
- sot
- nonpareil
- jocund
- surfeit
- corollary
- mantle
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 Tempest 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example Sentences | Vocabulary words are used correctly in the example sentences in both meaning and context. | The meaning of the sentences can be understood, but the vocabulary words are used awkwardly or in the wrong context. | The vocabulary words are not used correctly in the example sentences. |
| 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
Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary from The Tempest. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the play, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
The Tempest Vocabulary
- elements
- perdition
- inveterate
- importune
- minister
- prate
- sot
- nonpareil
- jocund
- surfeit
- corollary
- mantle
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 Tempest 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example Sentences | Vocabulary words are used correctly in the example sentences in both meaning and context. | The meaning of the sentences can be understood, but the vocabulary words are used awkwardly or in the wrong context. | The vocabulary words are not used correctly in the example sentences. |
| 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 The Tempest Vocabulary
Incorporate The Tempest vocabulary into daily classroom routines
Add key vocabulary words from The Tempest to your classroom word wall or daily agenda. Refer to these terms during lessons and classroom discussions to reinforce understanding and help students use new words in authentic contexts.
Model using vocabulary words in context-rich sentences
Demonstrate how to use each target word in a sentence related to the play or students' lives. Explain the meaning as you go, so students hear the word naturally and see how it connects to familiar situations.
Facilitate quick partner activities to reinforce meaning
Pair up students and have them quiz each other on definitions or use the words in new sentences. Rotate partners to maximize exposure and provide peer support for deeper understanding.
Encourage creative writing using The Tempest vocabulary
Assign short, imaginative writing prompts where students must use 2–3 vocabulary words. Share examples aloud to celebrate creative uses and reinforce correct usage in context.
Provide feedback and celebrate vocabulary mastery
Give specific praise for accurate and creative vocabulary use. Highlight students' sentences or illustrations on a display board to motivate ongoing participation and pride in learning new words.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Tempest Vocabulary
What are some key vocabulary words from The Tempest for high school students?
Key vocabulary words from The Tempest include elements, perdition, inveterate, importune, minister, prate, sot, nonpareil, jocund, surfeit, corollary, and mantle. These terms help students better understand the play’s language and themes.
How can I teach The Tempest vocabulary using visual activities?
Engage students by having them create visual vocabulary boards. Ask them to pick words from The Tempest, define each, use them in sentences, and illustrate their meanings with drawings or photos. This reinforces understanding through creativity.
What is a visual vocabulary board, and how does it work for The Tempest?
A visual vocabulary board is an activity where students select words from The Tempest, define them, use them in context, and create illustrations. This method supports retention by linking visual cues to word meanings.
What grade level is appropriate for The Tempest vocabulary activities?
The Tempest vocabulary activities are best suited for grades 9–10, allowing students to build advanced language skills while exploring Shakespeare’s text.
How can I help students understand difficult words in The Tempest?
Encourage students to look up definitions in print or online dictionaries, use new words in sentences, and visualize meanings through drawings or photos. Pair or group activities can foster peer learning and discussion.
More Storyboard That Activities
Tempest, 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
