Activity Overview
Another great way to engage your students is with storyboards that use vocabulary from We are the Ship: The Story of the Negro League Baseball. Here are a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the book and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
Here are some ways to help your students find the meaning of the vocabulary words they choose:
- Use context clues; sometimes you can figure out the meaning of a word by reading the sentences that come before and after the unknown word.
- Sometimes, the author may tell the definition of the word in the same sentence, or in the following sentence.
- Picture clues may help define an unknown word.
- Look at the unknown word and look for parts you may know. Sometimes a new ending or beginning has been added or changed.
- Use a dictionary or glossary.
Example Vocabulary Words from We are the Ship
- segregation
- barnstorm
- The Great Depression
- ambition
- dignity
- wit
- rival
- pride
- consistent
- prohibit
- roster
- unsavory
- inexplicable
- rickety
- dedication
- peculiar
- thrive
- epithet
- assure
- debut
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 We are the Ship 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 with storyboards that use vocabulary from We are the Ship: The Story of the Negro League Baseball. Here are a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the book and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
Here are some ways to help your students find the meaning of the vocabulary words they choose:
- Use context clues; sometimes you can figure out the meaning of a word by reading the sentences that come before and after the unknown word.
- Sometimes, the author may tell the definition of the word in the same sentence, or in the following sentence.
- Picture clues may help define an unknown word.
- Look at the unknown word and look for parts you may know. Sometimes a new ending or beginning has been added or changed.
- Use a dictionary or glossary.
Example Vocabulary Words from We are the Ship
- segregation
- barnstorm
- The Great Depression
- ambition
- dignity
- wit
- rival
- pride
- consistent
- prohibit
- roster
- unsavory
- inexplicable
- rickety
- dedication
- peculiar
- thrive
- epithet
- assure
- debut
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 We are the Ship 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 We Are the Ship Visual Vocabulary
How to Connect Visual Vocabulary Boards to Students’ Background Knowledge
Activate prior knowledge by discussing what students already know about baseball, segregation, or any vocabulary words before starting the lesson. Connecting new terms to familiar ideas helps students grasp meanings more easily.
Guide students to brainstorm personal experiences related to vocabulary
Encourage students to think of times they’ve faced challenges, teamwork, or unfair rules. Relating words like ‘rival’ or ‘dedication’ to their lives makes vocabulary meaningful and memorable.
Encourage students to share connections with the class
Invite volunteers to describe how a vocabulary word reminds them of a real-life event or feeling. Class discussion builds confidence and deepens understanding for everyone.
Support students in adding personal touches to their visual boards
Suggest that students illustrate vocabulary with scenes or characters from their own experiences, not just the story. This personalization fosters engagement and ownership of the learning process.
Reinforce connections with follow-up questions
After completing boards, ask questions like, ‘How does this word show up in your life?’ or ‘Have you ever felt proud, like the characters?’ Reflection helps cement new vocabulary in long-term memory.
Frequently Asked Questions about We Are the Ship Visual Vocabulary
What is a visual vocabulary board for 'We Are the Ship'?
A visual vocabulary board for 'We Are the Ship' is an activity where students choose vocabulary words from the book, define them, use them in a sentence, and illustrate their meanings with drawings, photos, or digital images. This helps deepen understanding and retention of key terms.
How can I teach vocabulary from 'We Are the Ship' effectively?
To teach vocabulary from 'We Are the Ship' effectively, encourage students to use context clues, analyze word parts, use print or online dictionaries, and create visual representations of each word. Combining definitions, example sentences, and illustrations makes learning more engaging and memorable.
What are some key vocabulary words in 'We Are the Ship'?
Key vocabulary words from 'We Are the Ship' include segregation, barnstorm, dignity, ambition, roster, prohibit, peculiar, and debut. These words help students better understand the book's historical context and characters.
How do students use context clues to define vocabulary words?
Students can use context clues by reading sentences around the unknown word, looking for definitions or explanations nearby, analyzing word parts, and using picture clues. This strategy helps them infer meanings without always needing a dictionary.
What is an example of a student activity for 'We Are the Ship' vocabulary?
An effective student activity is to select three vocabulary words from 'We Are the Ship', find their definitions, write sentences using each word, and illustrate the meanings through drawings or digital images. This visual approach reinforces comprehension and creativity.
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