Activity Overview
Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary from Their Eyes Were Watching God. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the novel, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
Their Eyes Were Watching God Vocabulary
- horizon
- resignation
- saunter
- coquetry
- eulogy
- resilient
- pugnaciously
- usurper
- scimitars
- fetid
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 Their Eyes Were Watching God 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Their Eyes Were Watching God. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the novel, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
Their Eyes Were Watching God Vocabulary
- horizon
- resignation
- saunter
- coquetry
- eulogy
- resilient
- pugnaciously
- usurper
- scimitars
- fetid
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 Their Eyes Were Watching God 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Their Eyes Were Watching God Visual Vocabulary
Set Clear Visual Vocabulary Expectations
Clarify what makes an effective visual vocabulary board by showing specific examples and discussing key elements like accuracy, creativity, and connection to the novel. This helps students understand your grading criteria and encourages meaningful engagement.
Model the Visual Vocabulary Process
Demonstrate how to select a word, find its definition, create a sentence, and design a visual representation using a think-aloud. This makes the process transparent and reduces confusion for all learners.
Facilitate Collaborative Brainstorming
Encourage students to work in pairs or small groups to discuss possible illustrations and sentence ideas for their chosen words. Collaboration boosts creativity and helps students deepen understanding through peer feedback.
Integrate Technology for Visuals
Guide students in using online tools like Photos for Class, Canva, or Google Slides to create or enhance their visuals. Technology can make vocabulary boards more engaging and accessible for diverse learners.
Showcase and Reflect on Student Work
Display finished boards in the classroom or a digital gallery, then facilitate a brief class discussion where students reflect on what they learned. Sharing work builds confidence and reinforces vocabulary retention.
Frequently Asked Questions about Their Eyes Were Watching God Visual Vocabulary
What is a visual vocabulary board for 'Their Eyes Were Watching God'?
A visual vocabulary board for Their Eyes Were Watching God is a creative activity where students illustrate key vocabulary words from the novel using images, scenes, and example sentences. This helps deepen understanding by connecting words to visual representations and context from the story.
How can I teach vocabulary from 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' in an engaging way?
Engage students by having them create storyboards that visually represent vocabulary words, write original sentences, and use online image searches or illustrations to show meaning. This approach reinforces word retention and connects language to the novel's themes.
What are some commonly taught vocabulary words from 'Their Eyes Were Watching God'?
Common vocabulary words include horizon, resignation, saunter, coquetry, eulogy, resilient, pugnaciously, usurper, scimitars, and fetid. These words help students understand the language and context of the novel.
What steps should students follow to make a visual vocabulary board?
Students should: 1) Select three vocabulary words, 2) Find and write their definitions, 3) Create original sentences, and 4) Illustrate each word using drawings or relevant photos to demonstrate understanding.
Why use visual vocabulary activities for high school literature lessons?
Visual vocabulary activities boost comprehension, promote creativity, and make abstract words more accessible. They support diverse learners by combining verbal and visual learning, especially in challenging texts like Their Eyes Were Watching God.
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Their Eyes Were Watching God
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