When students read, they will often encounter new vocabulary they don't know! Sometimes they can figure out the meaning from context, and other times they might not. A great way to engage students with new vocabulary is by having them create a visual vocabulary board to illustrate and define new words.
In the vocabulary board students can choose between coming up with their use of the vocabulary board, finding the specific example from the text, or depicting it without words.
(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 The Giver by creating visualizations.
Students can get overwhelmed with large vocabulary lists or bored if they feel like they already know all the words. Help each student to choose a list of five words from The Giver. This will help them feel empowered without overwhelming or boring them.
One aspect of vocabulary that tends to be difficult for students is finding context clues. As you work with students individually, assist them in finding context clues for their chosen words.
Students will cement the meanings of vocabulary words more easily if they need to draw or describe them. This gives students more personal responsibility for learning the words Use a template or storyboard to help them.
As students read a novel like The Giver, they are able to learn their vocabulary words in context. This means that students will use the rest of the words in the sentence to help them figure out what the new word means. This is a powerful, textual way to learn vocabulary.
Students get discouraged as readers when they don't understand the vocabulary they are encountering in a text. It is important they they understand or can figure out most of the words so that they understand the story and also are able to broaden their personal vocabulary.