“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
A great way to engage your students is by creating a storyboard that uses vocabulary from The 13 Clocks.
In this vocabulary activity, students demonstrate their understanding of vocabulary words using sentences and corresponding images. Students may be provided the vocabulary words, or they can use words that they have discovered through their reading of the text. The sentences and images validate their understanding of the word and the context that it was used in the story.
(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 13 Clocks by creating visualizations.
Grade Level 3-6
Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)
Type of Assignment Individual or Partner
Type of Activity: Visual Vocabulary Boards
(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. |
A great way to engage your students is by creating a storyboard that uses vocabulary from The 13 Clocks.
In this vocabulary activity, students demonstrate their understanding of vocabulary words using sentences and corresponding images. Students may be provided the vocabulary words, or they can use words that they have discovered through their reading of the text. The sentences and images validate their understanding of the word and the context that it was used in the story.
(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 13 Clocks by creating visualizations.
Grade Level 3-6
Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)
Type of Assignment Individual or Partner
Type of Activity: Visual Vocabulary Boards
(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. |
Encourage active participation by organizing a team-based game, such as vocabulary bingo or charades, using words from The 13 Clocks. This approach helps reinforce word meanings while making learning fun and memorable for all students.
Create or print cards featuring vocabulary words and their definitions. This ensures you have all materials ready and allows for a smooth game setup during your lesson.
Promote collaboration by organizing students into groups of 3–5. This gives everyone a chance to contribute and makes the game more engaging for every participant.
Clarify expectations by walking through a sample round. Modeling helps students grasp the game mechanics and ensures a fair, enjoyable experience.
Observe gameplay and provide hints or encouragement as needed. Celebrate correct answers and highlight creative thinking to boost confidence and reinforce learning.
A visual vocabulary board for The 13 Clocks is an activity where students select vocabulary words from the story, define them, use each in a sentence, and create an illustration to show their understanding of the word's meaning and context.
To teach The 13 Clocks vocabulary engagingly, have students choose words from the text, write sentences using those words, and illustrate their meanings with drawings or photos. This hands-on approach deepens comprehension and retention.
Example vocabulary words from The 13 Clocks include suitor, minstrel, monocle, wicked, indescribable, limp, ragamuffin, slunk, implored, mediocre, ludicrous, cackle, tribulation, raiment, and shimmered.
The best way is for students to define the word, use it in a sentence from the story's context, and create an image that visually represents the meaning. This combination validates comprehension and supports different learning styles.
Yes, The 13 Clocks vocabulary activities are designed for grades 3–6, offering a reinforcing and developing level of difficulty that works well for both individual and partner work.
“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