Activity Overview
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary that students will see in their readings or presentations aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary related to Underground to Canada by Barbara Smucker. When students define and illustrate each term, they master the application of it and retain it as part of their lexicon.
Example Vocabulary from Underground to Canada
- Abolitionist
- Clanging
- Conviction
- Drinking Gourd
- Fervor
- Gaiety
- Gnawed
- Illuminated
- Inevitable
- Liberate
- Listless
- Ornithologist
- Parcel
- Plantation
- Plum
- Poised
- Precision
- Pursuit
- Quaker
- Seldom
- Solemn
- Sprouted
- Sullen
- Taut
- Trousers
- Underground Railroad
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 new vocabulary words in Underground to Canada.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the key terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're finished.
Requirements: Must have 3 terms, correct definitions, 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 that students will see in their readings or presentations aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary related to Underground to Canada by Barbara Smucker. When students define and illustrate each term, they master the application of it and retain it as part of their lexicon.
Example Vocabulary from Underground to Canada
- Abolitionist
- Clanging
- Conviction
- Drinking Gourd
- Fervor
- Gaiety
- Gnawed
- Illuminated
- Inevitable
- Liberate
- Listless
- Ornithologist
- Parcel
- Plantation
- Plum
- Poised
- Precision
- Pursuit
- Quaker
- Seldom
- Solemn
- Sprouted
- Sullen
- Taut
- Trousers
- Underground Railroad
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 new vocabulary words in Underground to Canada.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the key terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're finished.
Requirements: Must have 3 terms, correct definitions, 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 Underground to Canada Visual Vocabulary Activity
Organize a student-led vocabulary word gallery walk
Encourage students to share and discuss their illustrated vocabulary boards by setting up a gallery walk in your classroom. This creates a collaborative learning environment and helps reinforce vocabulary through peer interaction.
Set up the classroom with clear display stations
Arrange desks or tables around the room so each student can display their storyboard. Make sure there is enough space for students to walk comfortably and view each display.
Give students time to view and interact with each display
Allow students to walk around, read definitions, and observe illustrations. Encourage them to jot down interesting ideas or new ways to visualize vocabulary terms.
Facilitate peer-to-peer discussion and feedback
Prompt students to ask questions or provide positive feedback to their classmates about their boards. This fosters critical thinking and deeper understanding of the vocabulary.
Reflect as a class on new vocabulary insights
Lead a group discussion about what students learned from others' boards. Highlight creative approaches and clarify any vocabulary misunderstandings.
Frequently Asked Questions about Underground to Canada Visual Vocabulary Activity
What is a visual vocabulary activity for Underground to Canada?
A visual vocabulary activity for Underground to Canada involves students defining and illustrating key terms from the novel. They create a storyboard or spider map with each word's definition and a related drawing, which helps reinforce understanding and retention of important vocabulary.
How can I help students learn vocabulary from Underground to Canada?
You can help students learn vocabulary by having them define and illustrate key terms from Underground to Canada. Using storyboard or visual mapping activities allows students to connect meanings with images, deepening comprehension and making the words more memorable.
What are some essential vocabulary words in Underground to Canada for middle school?
Essential vocabulary words from Underground to Canada for middle school include abolitionist, plantation, drinking gourd, pursuit, liberate, and Underground Railroad. Teaching these helps students better understand the historical context and themes of the book.
What is the best way to create a vocabulary storyboard for a novel?
The best way to create a vocabulary storyboard is to choose key terms, write their definitions, and draw illustrations representing each word. Use a spider map or storyboard template, and encourage students to use scenes or characters from the novel to make connections.
Why is using visuals important when teaching vocabulary from novels like Underground to Canada?
Using visuals helps students better comprehend and remember vocabulary by engaging multiple senses. Visuals make abstract or unfamiliar terms more concrete, support students with different learning styles, and encourage deeper connections to the novel's themes.
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Underground to Canada
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