Activity Overview
As students read, they'll likely encounter unfamiliar words. Help them master these new words and engage your students through storyboards that use vocabulary from Of Mice and Men. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the novel, and an example of a visual vocabulary board. In the vocabulary board, students can choose come up with their own use of the word, or find a specific sentence from the text alongside their definition.
Vocabulary Words From Of Mice and Men
- douse
- jeer
- welter
- juncture
- recumbent
- tramp
- debris
- mottled
- brusquely
- lumber
- drone
- emerge
- anguish
- mimic
- glimmer
- scourge
- pugnacious
- derogatory
- derision
- cringe
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 Of Mice and Men 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 To Conduct Different Activities in Class to Improve Vocabulary Visualization
Create Interactive Spaces
Make a word wall in the classroom where students can add words and illustrations. Encourage the students to add new text and images to the wall on a regular basis. This space can also act as a discussion platform where students can talk about any new vocabulary they learned or an interesting fact they found out regarding a specific vocabulary word.
Play Pictionary in Visual Form
Play Pictionary with an emphasis on vocabulary terms. Students illustrate words using pictures, and their peers make word guesses based on the drawings. Students can also role-play or act out the words and challenge their classmates to guess the word. Teachers can make this into a small challenge and students with the most amount of guesses can get a small prize.
Make Maps and Collages
Ask students to use images from the internet, magazines, and newspapers to construct word collages. Give them the task of creating a collage by having them locate images that correspond to the definitions of particular words. Students can also create word maps and add information about different vocabulary words considering their origin and language.
Encourage Storytelling
Storytelling is an interesting activity through which students can use their imagination and creativity and also apply the concepts of literature. Encourage the students to select a few complex vocabulary words, search for their meaning and the context they are used in, and make up a story that includes the use of all those vocabulary words.
Foster Creativity and Imagination
Visualizing a word is very subjective to every student and depends on their imagination. Teachers can boost this imagination by asking the students to share their visualizations by putting them on paper and showing their classmates. Once their efforts have been recognized, they will be motivated to work next time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teaching Complex Vocabulary From “Of Mice and Men”
Are there any terms in the book that would be difficult for students to understand because of changes in historical or regional context?
Yes, the language used in "Of Mice and Men" reflects the period and setting in which it was written. Giving historical and cultural background could be beneficial to assist students in comprehending and using the word in a meaningful way.
What part do writing tasks play in helping students master complicated vocabulary?
Teachers can give students essays or other creative writing assignments that call for them to utilize the new terminology in context. This aids in their internalization and meaningful application of the words.
How can the study of complex vocabulary terms be made more enjoyable for students?
Include contests, games, and artistic projects which can make studying more enjoyable for students. Think about utilizing book clubs or group projects to make the learning experience more interactive and collaborative.
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