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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/the-handmaids-tale-by-margaret-atwood/vocabulary
Activity Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Rubric
Activity Overview Accordion Arrow

Activity Overview


Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary fromThe Handmaid’s Tale. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the novel, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.


The Handmaid’s Tale Vocabulary

  • palimpsest
  • archaic
  • fraternize
  • demure
  • fanatical
  • parley
  • bestow
  • perfidy
  • chalice
  • effigy
  • pier glass
  • heretical


Template and Class Instructions Accordion Arrow

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 The Handmaid’s Tale by creating visualizations.


  1. Choose five vocabulary words from the story and type them in the title boxes.
  2. Find the definition in a print or online dictionary.
  3. Write a sentence that uses the vocabulary word.
  4. 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

Common Core Standards
  • CCSS: SL.11-12.6 - Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating a command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grades 11–12 Language standards 1 and 3 here for specific expectations.)
  • CCSS: L.11-12.3 - Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening
  • CCSS: L.11-12.5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings

Rubric Accordion Arrow

Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)


Visual Vocabulary Assignment
Define, illustrate, and give an example sentence for any five vocabulary words.
Proficient Emerging Beginning
Example Sentences
Vocabulary words are used correctly in the example sentences in both meaning and context.
The meaning of the sentences can be understood, but the vocabulary words are used awkwardly or in the wrong context.
The vocabulary words are not used correctly in the example sentences.
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


Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary fromThe Handmaid’s Tale. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the novel, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.


The Handmaid’s Tale Vocabulary

  • palimpsest
  • archaic
  • fraternize
  • demure
  • fanatical
  • parley
  • bestow
  • perfidy
  • chalice
  • effigy
  • pier glass
  • heretical


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 The Handmaid’s Tale by creating visualizations.


  1. Choose five vocabulary words from the story and type them in the title boxes.
  2. Find the definition in a print or online dictionary.
  3. Write a sentence that uses the vocabulary word.
  4. 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

Common Core Standards
  • CCSS: SL.11-12.6 - Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating a command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grades 11–12 Language standards 1 and 3 here for specific expectations.)
  • CCSS: L.11-12.3 - Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening
  • CCSS: L.11-12.5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings

Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)


Visual Vocabulary Assignment
Define, illustrate, and give an example sentence for any five vocabulary words.
Proficient Emerging Beginning
Example Sentences
Vocabulary words are used correctly in the example sentences in both meaning and context.
The meaning of the sentences can be understood, but the vocabulary words are used awkwardly or in the wrong context.
The vocabulary words are not used correctly in the example sentences.
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.





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