Activity Overview
A great way to engage your students is by creating a storyboard that uses vocabulary from Where Do Polar Bears Live? In this activity, students demonstrate their understanding of vocabulary words using sentences and corresponding images. Students may be provided the vocabulary words, or they can use words that they have discovered through their reading of the text. The sentences and images validate both their understanding of the word and how it was used in context of the story.
- tundra
- den
- lemming
- cub
- Arctic
- survive
- fierce
- extinct
- blubber
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 Where Do Polar Bears Live? by creating visualizations.
- Choose three vocabulary words from the text and type them in the title boxes.
- 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.
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
A great way to engage your students is by creating a storyboard that uses vocabulary from Where Do Polar Bears Live? In this activity, students demonstrate their understanding of vocabulary words using sentences and corresponding images. Students may be provided the vocabulary words, or they can use words that they have discovered through their reading of the text. The sentences and images validate both their understanding of the word and how it was used in context of the story.
- tundra
- den
- lemming
- cub
- Arctic
- survive
- fierce
- extinct
- blubber
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 Where Do Polar Bears Live? by creating visualizations.
- Choose three vocabulary words from the text and type them in the title boxes.
- 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.
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 Where Do the Polar Bears Live? Vocabulary
Incorporate movement into vocabulary lessons for deeper learning
Boost engagement by inviting students to act out each vocabulary word using simple gestures or poses. This kinesthetic approach helps younger learners connect physical actions to word meanings, making new terms more memorable and fun!
Model vocabulary actions before students try
Show students how to represent words like ‘den’ by curling up or ‘fierce’ by making a strong facial expression. Demonstrating actions first builds students’ confidence and clarifies your expectations.
Invite students to brainstorm creative gestures together
Encourage collaboration by letting students suggest their own movements for each word. This gives everyone a voice and builds classroom community while reinforcing vocabulary understanding.
Use movement cues during read-alouds
Pause as you read and prompt students to do their chosen action when a vocabulary word comes up in the story. This repetition links words to context and keeps students actively listening.
Review new vocabulary with a movement game
Play a quick review game where you say a word and students silently perform the matching gesture. This fast-paced activity makes review interactive and checks for understanding in a low-pressure way.
Frequently Asked Questions about Where Do the Polar Bears Live? Vocabulary
What is a visual vocabulary board for 'Where Do Polar Bears Live?'
A visual vocabulary board for 'Where Do Polar Bears Live?' is an activity where students choose vocabulary words from the story and demonstrate their understanding by writing sentences and illustrating each word with images. This helps reinforce word meanings in context.
How can I teach vocabulary from 'Where Do Polar Bears Live?' to 2nd and 3rd graders?
To teach vocabulary from 'Where Do Polar Bears Live?' to 2nd and 3rd graders, have students select words from the text, use them in original sentences, and create matching illustrations. This method encourages comprehension and retention in a fun, interactive way.
What are some key vocabulary words in 'Where Do Polar Bears Live?'
Key vocabulary words in 'Where Do Polar Bears Live?' include tundra, den, lemming, cub, Arctic, survive, fierce, extinct, and blubber.
What is the best way to help students understand and use new vocabulary from a story?
The best way to help students understand and use new vocabulary is by having them create sentences with the words and illustrate their meanings. This hands-on approach builds both language and comprehension skills.
How do visualizations support vocabulary learning in elementary classrooms?
Visualizations support vocabulary learning by helping students connect words to images, making abstract concepts easier to grasp and remember. This is especially effective for young learners in grades 2–3.
More Storyboard That Activities
Where Do Polar Bears Live?
- Arctic Glacier • Polar Cruises • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
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