Activity Overview
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary terms and allusions aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary and allusions found in the book Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk. Students will create a spider map of 3-5 terms at the teacher's discretion. Each cell will contain a term or allusion, its definition or description, and an appropriate illustration.
Examples of Vocabulary Terms from Wolf Hollow
baffled: perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements
brooding: showing deep unhappiness of thought; also: sitting on eggs to hatch them by the warmth of the body
cistern: an artificial reservoir for storing liquids
fallow: left unplowed and unseeded during a growing season
famished: extremely hungry
gnarled: old and twisted and covered in lines
grit: fortitude and determination
gully: a deep ditch cut by running water
impale: pierce with a sharp stake or point
interject: speak abruptly, especially as an interruption
loom: hang over, as of something threatening, dark, or menacing
posse: a group of men, typically armed, summoned by a sheriff to enforce the law.
poultice: a soft, moist mass of material, typically of plant material or flour, applied to the body to relieve soreness and inflammation and kept in place with a cloth.
onomatopoeia: using words that imitate the sound they denote
talon: a sharp hooked claw especially on a bird of prey
translucent: allowing light to pass through diffusely
winch: a lifting device consisting of a cylinder turned by a crank
wistfully: in a pensively sad manner
Examples of Allusions found in Wolf Hollow
- World War I
- World War II
- Purple Heart
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 Wolf Hollow.
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 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 terms and allusions aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary and allusions found in the book Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk. Students will create a spider map of 3-5 terms at the teacher's discretion. Each cell will contain a term or allusion, its definition or description, and an appropriate illustration.
Examples of Vocabulary Terms from Wolf Hollow
baffled: perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements
brooding: showing deep unhappiness of thought; also: sitting on eggs to hatch them by the warmth of the body
cistern: an artificial reservoir for storing liquids
fallow: left unplowed and unseeded during a growing season
famished: extremely hungry
gnarled: old and twisted and covered in lines
grit: fortitude and determination
gully: a deep ditch cut by running water
impale: pierce with a sharp stake or point
interject: speak abruptly, especially as an interruption
loom: hang over, as of something threatening, dark, or menacing
posse: a group of men, typically armed, summoned by a sheriff to enforce the law.
poultice: a soft, moist mass of material, typically of plant material or flour, applied to the body to relieve soreness and inflammation and kept in place with a cloth.
onomatopoeia: using words that imitate the sound they denote
talon: a sharp hooked claw especially on a bird of prey
translucent: allowing light to pass through diffusely
winch: a lifting device consisting of a cylinder turned by a crank
wistfully: in a pensively sad manner
Examples of Allusions found in Wolf Hollow
- World War I
- World War II
- Purple Heart
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 Wolf Hollow.
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 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 Vocabulary and Allusions in Wolf Hollow
Organize a classroom vocabulary word wall for Wolf Hollow
Display key vocabulary and allusions from Wolf Hollow on a dedicated wall or bulletin board. This visual reference helps students remember terms and encourages them to use new words in context throughout the unit.
Assign student teams to create illustrated vocabulary cards
Divide your class into small groups and have each team design illustrated cards for different vocabulary words. This collaborative task boosts engagement and deepens understanding as students explain words to peers and get creative with visuals.
Incorporate vocabulary games into your daily routine
Introduce quick games like charades, word bingo, or matching for vocabulary review. These activities reinforce meaning in a fun way and provide repeated exposure to new terms.
Connect vocabulary to students’ lives with sentence prompts
Ask students to use each new word in a sentence about their own experiences. This personal connection makes vocabulary more memorable and demonstrates real-world relevance.
Regularly revisit and reflect on learned vocabulary
Schedule brief check-ins where students revisit previously learned words, discuss their meanings, and share examples from the text or their lives. This ongoing reflection supports long-term retention.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vocabulary and Allusions in Wolf Hollow
What are some key vocabulary terms from Wolf Hollow and their meanings?
Key vocabulary terms from Wolf Hollow include baffled (perplexed), brooding (deep unhappiness or sitting on eggs), cistern (liquid reservoir), fallow (unused land), famished (very hungry), gnarled (twisted and old), grit (determination), impale (to pierce), and more. Each term helps students better understand the novel's language and context.
How can I teach vocabulary and allusions from Wolf Hollow in a fun, visual way?
Use a storyboard or spider map activity where students define, illustrate, and describe key vocabulary and allusions from Wolf Hollow. This visual approach boosts comprehension and retention, making learning more engaging for middle schoolers.
What is a spider map and how does it help with vocabulary learning?
A spider map is a graphic organizer with a central idea and connected branches for related terms. For vocabulary, students put a word in the center and add its definition, illustration, and usage on each branch, making complex terms easier to understand and remember.
What are some allusions in Wolf Hollow students should know?
Wolf Hollow includes allusions to major historical events and honors such as World War I, World War II, and the Purple Heart. Teaching these helps students connect the story to real-world history and context.
What is the best way to structure a vocabulary lesson for Wolf Hollow?
The best way is to start with key terms and allusions, use visual organizers like spider maps, encourage students to define and illustrate each word, and discuss their relevance in the story. This approach supports stronger engagement and understanding.
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