“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
Another great way to engage your students is creating a storyboard that uses vocabulary. Since “The Tyger” was written over 200 years ago, the language in it includes some archaic and specialized terms. Some words, like “dread”, “art”, and “Lamb” (with a capital “L”) are either not used in the way students might expect or have multiple meanings. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words in ”The Tyger” that may need extra explanation and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
In the vocabulary board, students can choose between coming up with their own use of the vocabulary word in a sentence, citing and/or paraphrasing the specific line from the poem, or depicting it without words.
(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 Tyger” by creating visualizations.
Grade Level 6-12
Difficulty Level 1 (Introducing / Reinforcing)
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. |
Another great way to engage your students is creating a storyboard that uses vocabulary. Since “The Tyger” was written over 200 years ago, the language in it includes some archaic and specialized terms. Some words, like “dread”, “art”, and “Lamb” (with a capital “L”) are either not used in the way students might expect or have multiple meanings. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words in ”The Tyger” that may need extra explanation and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
In the vocabulary board, students can choose between coming up with their own use of the vocabulary word in a sentence, citing and/or paraphrasing the specific line from the poem, or depicting it without words.
(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 Tyger” by creating visualizations.
Grade Level 6-12
Difficulty Level 1 (Introducing / Reinforcing)
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. |
Prepare students by previewing challenging words in context before diving into the poem. This helps build confidence and comprehension.
Show students how to locate and interpret unfamiliar words within the poem's lines. Connecting words to their use in the text reinforces understanding.
Invite students to write their own sentences using the new vocabulary. This promotes active engagement and deeper retention.
Guide students to illustrate meanings using sketches or digital images. Visualizing vocabulary supports diverse learning styles.
Organize a classroom gallery walk where students explain their visual boards. This fosters communication skills and peer learning.
A visual vocabulary board for 'The Tyger' is a creative activity where students illustrate and define key words from William Blake's poem. They choose vocabulary terms, provide definitions and example sentences, and add drawings or photos to visually represent each word’s meaning.
To help students grasp challenging words in 'The Tyger', encourage them to create visual vocabulary boards. Have them look up definitions, use the words in sentences, and illustrate or find images that show each word’s meaning. This approach makes abstract or archaic language easier to understand.
Key vocabulary words from 'The Tyger' that may need extra explanation include anvil, symmetry, aspire, sinews, dread, art, and Lamb. These words can have unfamiliar or multiple meanings in the context of the poem.
Students should: 1) Pick three vocabulary words from the poem, 2) Find and write the definitions, 3) Use each word in an original sentence, and 4) Illustrate the meaning with drawings or photos. This method helps reinforce both language and comprehension skills.
Visual vocabulary boards make learning new words interactive and memorable. By combining definitions, sentences, and images, students engage multiple senses, deepen their understanding of poetic language, and connect abstract terms to real-life contexts.
“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