Activity Overview
Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary from The Tragedy of Richard III. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the play, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
- Discontent - n. dissatisfaction; wanting improvement
- Tyranny - n. oppressive and cruel government, usually under one ruler
- Dissemble - v. to conceal; disguise; hide
- Palpable - adj. capable of being touched, or held; clear to the mind; easily seen
- Prosperous - adj. successful; bringing good fortune
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 Richard III by creating visualizations.
- Choose three vocabulary words from the play 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 Tragedy of Richard III. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the play, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
- Discontent - n. dissatisfaction; wanting improvement
- Tyranny - n. oppressive and cruel government, usually under one ruler
- Dissemble - v. to conceal; disguise; hide
- Palpable - adj. capable of being touched, or held; clear to the mind; easily seen
- Prosperous - adj. successful; bringing good fortune
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 Richard III by creating visualizations.
- Choose three vocabulary words from the play 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 Shakespearean Vocabulary and Definitions Activity
Plan an Interactive Vocabulary Game for Richard III
Boost student engagement by organizing a lively vocabulary game that reinforces understanding of key Shakespearean terms. Interactive games make abstract words memorable and fun!
Select vocabulary words for the game
Pick 5–10 challenging words from Richard III that students need to practice. This targets their learning and ensures the game stays focused and manageable.
Prepare clear, student-friendly definitions and examples
Write simple definitions and a sample sentence for each word. This helps students quickly grasp meanings and see the words in context.
Organize students into small teams
Divide your class into groups of 3–4. Team play encourages collaboration and gives all students a chance to participate and learn together.
Facilitate a vocabulary matching or charades activity
Have teams match words to definitions, or act out meanings in a charades-style format. This active approach deepens understanding and keeps energy levels high.
Review and discuss answers as a class
Go over the correct answers together, clarifying any confusion. Discussion ensures everyone leaves with a strong grasp of the vocabulary.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shakespearean Vocabulary and Definitions Activity
What is a visual vocabulary board for Shakespeare's Richard III?
A visual vocabulary board for Shakespeare's Richard III is an activity where students select key words from the play, define them, use each in a sentence, and illustrate their meanings using drawings or images. This technique helps students connect new vocabulary with visual cues for better retention.
How can I teach Shakespearean vocabulary to high school students?
To teach Shakespearean vocabulary to high school students, use activities like creating visual vocabulary boards, having students write sentences with new words, and encouraging them to illustrate or act out word meanings. These interactive methods make challenging terms more accessible and memorable.
What are some common vocabulary words from Richard III?
Some common vocabulary words from Richard III include discontent (dissatisfaction), tyranny (oppressive rule), dissemble (to conceal), palpable (easily seen or felt), and prosperous (successful). Teaching these words helps students better understand the play's language.
What is the best way to help students visualize Shakespearean vocabulary?
The best way to help students visualize Shakespearean vocabulary is through creative activities like drawing scenes, making storyboards, or using online images that represent the words' meanings. Visualizing terms reinforces understanding and supports different learning styles.
How can storyboards be used to reinforce vocabulary learning?
Storyboards can reinforce vocabulary learning by having students pair definitions and sample sentences with illustrations or images. This process encourages deeper comprehension and helps students remember new terms by linking words with visual representations.
More Storyboard That Activities
Tragedy of Richard III, 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
