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 the book Where the Red Fern Grows. Students will create a spider map of 3-5 terms at the teachers discretion. Each cell will contain a word, its definition or description, and an appropriate illustration.
Example Vocabulary from Where the Red Fern Grows
- Astonished
- Bawl
- Baying
- Beserk
- Breed
- Cease
- Deliberately
- Disposition
- Dumbfounded
- Fared
- Grit
- Gunny Sack
- Hillbilly
- Impulsively
- Muzzle
- Predicament
- Provisions
- Scolding
- Squall
- Taut
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 illustrates and defines new vocabulary in Where the Red Fern Grows.
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.
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 aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary found in the book Where the Red Fern Grows. Students will create a spider map of 3-5 terms at the teachers discretion. Each cell will contain a word, its definition or description, and an appropriate illustration.
Example Vocabulary from Where the Red Fern Grows
- Astonished
- Bawl
- Baying
- Beserk
- Breed
- Cease
- Deliberately
- Disposition
- Dumbfounded
- Fared
- Grit
- Gunny Sack
- Hillbilly
- Impulsively
- Muzzle
- Predicament
- Provisions
- Scolding
- Squall
- Taut
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 illustrates and defines new vocabulary in Where the Red Fern Grows.
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.
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 Vocabulary in Where the Red Fern Grows
How to Introduce New Vocabulary Words Contextually During Read-Alouds
Engage students with new words as they appear in the story to make vocabulary learning meaningful. Pausing to discuss vocabulary in context helps students connect words to plot and characters, deepening understanding and retention.
Model Think-Aloud Strategies When Encountering Unfamiliar Words
Demonstrate how to use context clues by sharing your thought process aloud. Show students how you infer meaning from surrounding sentences or illustrations to empower them to tackle unfamiliar vocabulary independently.
Encourage Students to Create Personal Connections to Each Word
Ask students to relate new vocabulary to their own experiences, such as sharing a time they felt 'astonished' or describing a 'predicament' they've faced. Personal connections boost memory and engagement with new terms.
Use Quick Partner Discussions to Reinforce Understanding
Prompt students to turn and talk with a partner about what a word means or how it is used in the story. Brief discussions encourage active participation and help clarify meaning in a low-pressure setting.
Review and Revisit Vocabulary Regularly Through Mini-Games
Incorporate short, fun activities like matching games, charades, or quick sketches to review vocabulary throughout the unit. Frequent, enjoyable practice helps solidify word knowledge and keeps students motivated.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vocabulary in Where the Red Fern Grows
What are effective vocabulary activities for Where the Red Fern Grows?
Effective vocabulary activities for Where the Red Fern Grows include creating visual spider maps, using storyboards to illustrate word meanings, and discussing key terms in context. These methods help students understand and remember important vocabulary from the novel.
How can students create a vocabulary storyboard for Where the Red Fern Grows?
Students can create a vocabulary storyboard by selecting 3-5 key terms, writing definitions for each, and drawing illustrations that show the words in action. Using a spider map format helps organize the words and makes learning interactive.
What is a visual vocabulary board and how does it aid comprehension?
A visual vocabulary board is a graphic organizer where students display vocabulary words with definitions and illustrations. This approach supports comprehension by linking visual cues to word meanings, making new terms easier to remember.
Which vocabulary words should I focus on when teaching Where the Red Fern Grows?
Focus on words that are central to the story, such as astonished, bawl, grit, predicament, and scolding. Choose terms that may be unfamiliar to students or are important for understanding the plot and characters.
What is the best way to illustrate vocabulary words from a novel?
The best way to illustrate vocabulary words is by drawing scenes, characters, or items from the story that show the meaning of each word. Encourage students to use context clues and their imagination to make connections with the text.
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Where the Red Fern Grows
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