Activity Overview
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary terms and allusions aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary and allusions found in the book The Wish Giver by Bill Brittain. Students will create a spider map of 3-5 terms at the teacher's discretion. Each cell will contain a term or allusion, its definition or description, and an appropriate illustration.
Examples of Vocabulary from The Wish Giver
abounded: to exist in large quantities
awe: a great feeling of admiration
content: to be satisfied
coven: a group of witches
crafty: skillful at deceiving others
dismal: gloomy, dreary, cheerless
exasperation: extreme annoyance
exquisite: finely made or done
fraud: a person who performs trickery or deceit
forlorn: sad from being left alone
glistened: to reflect a sparkly light or glow
mortal: a human, non-magical being
musty: having a moldy smell
mute: unable to speak
muzzle: a device placed over one's mouth
reluctant: showing doubt or unwillingness
scurry: to move in a brisk way
shanty: a small roughly built shelter or dwelling
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map that defines and illustrates key vocabulary from The Wish Giver.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the vocabulary terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition or description of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: Must have 3 vocabulary terms, correct definitions or descriptions, and appropriate illustrations for each that demonstrate your understanding of the words.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | The definition is correct. | The definition is partially correct. | The definition is incorrect. |
| 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
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary terms and allusions aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary and allusions found in the book The Wish Giver by Bill Brittain. Students will create a spider map of 3-5 terms at the teacher's discretion. Each cell will contain a term or allusion, its definition or description, and an appropriate illustration.
Examples of Vocabulary from The Wish Giver
abounded: to exist in large quantities
awe: a great feeling of admiration
content: to be satisfied
coven: a group of witches
crafty: skillful at deceiving others
dismal: gloomy, dreary, cheerless
exasperation: extreme annoyance
exquisite: finely made or done
fraud: a person who performs trickery or deceit
forlorn: sad from being left alone
glistened: to reflect a sparkly light or glow
mortal: a human, non-magical being
musty: having a moldy smell
mute: unable to speak
muzzle: a device placed over one's mouth
reluctant: showing doubt or unwillingness
scurry: to move in a brisk way
shanty: a small roughly built shelter or dwelling
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map that defines and illustrates key vocabulary from The Wish Giver.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the vocabulary terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition or description of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: Must have 3 vocabulary terms, correct definitions or descriptions, and appropriate illustrations for each that demonstrate your understanding of the words.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | The definition is correct. | The definition is partially correct. | The definition is incorrect. |
| 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 Wish Giver Visual Vocabulary
How to Teach Vocabulary in Context Using The Wish Giver
Connect vocabulary words to the story events by having students find and discuss each word as it appears in The Wish Giver. This helps students understand meanings in real reading situations and reinforces retention.
Select key vocabulary from each chapter
Choose 2–3 important or challenging words from each chapter. Focusing on essential terms lets students build understanding gradually and avoids overwhelming them.
Model how to use context clues
Read a sentence from the book with a target word. Think aloud about how you figure out the word’s meaning using clues from the surrounding text. Students learn to apply this strategy independently.
Guide students to create sentence examples
Ask students to write their own sentences using each vocabulary word. Encourage creativity and tie their examples back to events or characters in the story for deeper understanding.
Incorporate vocabulary mini-games
Play quick review games like matching words to definitions, charades, or vocabulary bingo. Active practice boosts engagement and helps terms stick.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Wish Giver Visual Vocabulary
What is a visual vocabulary activity for The Wish Giver?
A visual vocabulary activity for The Wish Giver involves students selecting key terms or allusions from the book, defining them, and illustrating each one. This helps improve comprehension and retention by connecting words to images and context.
How do I create a storyboard for vocabulary words in The Wish Giver?
To create a storyboard for vocabulary words in The Wish Giver, choose 3-5 terms, write definitions or descriptions, and draw or select illustrations for each. Use a spider map format, with each cell containing a term, its meaning, and a visual representation.
What are some examples of key vocabulary from The Wish Giver?
Examples of key vocabulary from The Wish Giver include abounded (to exist in large quantities), coven (a group of witches), exquisite (finely made), fraud (deceiver), and forlorn (sad from being left alone).
Why is teaching vocabulary visually effective for 4th to 6th graders?
Teaching vocabulary visually helps 4th to 6th graders by making abstract words concrete, supporting memory with imagery, and engaging multiple learning styles. It also encourages deeper understanding and active participation.
What is a spider map and how is it used in vocabulary lessons?
A spider map is a graphic organizer where a central idea branches out to related concepts. In vocabulary lessons, each branch features a term, its definition, and an illustration, helping students organize and visualize word meanings.
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