Activity Overview
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary found in Three Times Lucky. Students will create a spider map of 3-5 terms at the teachers discretion. Each cell will contain a term, its definition, and an appropriate illustration.
Examples of Vocabulary from Three Times Lucky
abductions: the action or an instance of forcibly taking someone away against their will; kidnapping/
au revoir: "goodbye" in French.
benevolently: well meaning and kindly.
bonjour: "hello" in French
cantankerous: bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative.
cordial: warm and friendly.
du jour: French for "of the day" such as "Soup du Jour" means "The Soup of the Day."
eulogy: a speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly, typically someone who has just died.
forgeries: the action of forging or producing a copy of a document, signature, banknote, or work of art.
homicide: homicide is when one human being causes the death of another.
ludicrous: so foolish, unreasonable, or out of place as to be amusing; ridiculous.
merci: "Thank you" in French.
ominous: giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen; threatening; inauspicious.
parched: dried out with heat.
skedaddled: departed quickly or hurriedly; ran away.
surveillance: close observation, especially of a suspected spy or criminal.
trellis: a framework of light wooden or metal bars, chiefly used as a support for fruit trees or climbing plants.
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 Three Times Lucky.
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.
- Save and exit when you're done.
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 aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary found in Three Times Lucky. Students will create a spider map of 3-5 terms at the teachers discretion. Each cell will contain a term, its definition, and an appropriate illustration.
Examples of Vocabulary from Three Times Lucky
abductions: the action or an instance of forcibly taking someone away against their will; kidnapping/
au revoir: "goodbye" in French.
benevolently: well meaning and kindly.
bonjour: "hello" in French
cantankerous: bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative.
cordial: warm and friendly.
du jour: French for "of the day" such as "Soup du Jour" means "The Soup of the Day."
eulogy: a speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly, typically someone who has just died.
forgeries: the action of forging or producing a copy of a document, signature, banknote, or work of art.
homicide: homicide is when one human being causes the death of another.
ludicrous: so foolish, unreasonable, or out of place as to be amusing; ridiculous.
merci: "Thank you" in French.
ominous: giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen; threatening; inauspicious.
parched: dried out with heat.
skedaddled: departed quickly or hurriedly; ran away.
surveillance: close observation, especially of a suspected spy or criminal.
trellis: a framework of light wooden or metal bars, chiefly used as a support for fruit trees or climbing plants.
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 Three Times Lucky.
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.
- Save and exit when you're done.
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 Illustrating Vocabulary in Three Times Lucky
How can I help students use new vocabulary words in original sentences after illustrating them?
Encourage students to write their own sentences using each new vocabulary word. Applying words in context solidifies understanding and helps students remember meanings.
Model sentence creation with one vocabulary word for the class.
Choose a word from the list and think aloud as you craft a sentence. Demonstrating your thought process helps students see how to connect the word to a real situation.
Ask students to brainstorm situations where each word might be used.
Have students discuss possible scenarios in pairs or groups. Relating words to their own experiences boosts engagement and relevance.
Guide students to write and share their own sentences with a partner.
Let each student compose a sentence for every vocabulary word and share it aloud with a peer. Peer feedback encourages improvement and confidence.
Display a rotating 'Vocabulary in Action' board in your classroom.
Post student-created sentences and illustrations on a bulletin board labeled 'Vocabulary in Action'. Highlighting their work motivates students and reinforces ongoing learning.
Frequently Asked Questions about Illustrating Vocabulary in Three Times Lucky
What is a visual vocabulary board for Three Times Lucky?
A visual vocabulary board for Three Times Lucky is an activity where students define and illustrate key terms from the novel, helping them better understand and remember important words using both text and images.
How do you create a spider map for vocabulary words?
To create a spider map for vocabulary, choose 3-5 terms, write each term with its definition in a separate cell, and add an illustration that represents each word. This visually organizes new vocabulary for easier learning.
What are some key vocabulary words from Three Times Lucky?
Key vocabulary words from Three Times Lucky include abductions, benevolently, cantankerous, cordial, eulogy, homicide, ludicrous, ominous, and several French terms like au revoir, bonjour, and merci.
Why is illustrating vocabulary helpful for middle school students?
Illustrating vocabulary helps middle school students by connecting visual imagery with word meanings, improving comprehension, retention, and engagement during vocabulary lessons.
What steps should students follow to complete the Three Times Lucky vocabulary storyboard activity?
Students should: click “Start Assignment”, select vocabulary terms, write definitions in description boxes, add illustrations, and save their work to complete the Three Times Lucky vocabulary storyboard activity.
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