Tops and Bottoms Vocabulary Lesson Plan

Activity Overview

Another great way to engage your students is by creating a storyboard that uses vocabulary from the Tops and Bottoms book.

In this activity, students demonstrate their understanding of vocabulary words using sentences and corresponding images. Students may be provided the vocabulary words, or they can use words that they have discovered through their reading of the text. The sentences and images validate the understanding of the word and the context that it was used in the novel.

Here are some ways to help your students find the meaning of the vocabulary words they choose:

1. Use context clues; sometimes you can figure out the meaning of a word by reading the sentences that come before and after the unknown word.
2. The author may tell the definition of the word right in the same sentence, or in the following sentence.
3. Picture clues may help define an unknown word.
4. Look at the unknown word, and look for parts you may know. Sometimes a new ending or beginning has been added or changed.
5. Use a dictionary or glossary.

Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the story and an example of a visual vocabulary board.

Wealth

(n.) An abundance of valuable possessions or money

Example: ”His father had been a hard worker and a smart business bear, and he had given all of his wealth to his son."

Scowl:

(n.) An angry or bad-tempered expression

Example: ”Bear looked at his pile and scowled."

Harvest:

(v./n.) The process or period of gathering in crops

Example: ”When it was time for the harvest, Hare called out, ‘Wake up, Bear! You get the tops and I get the bottoms.’"

Other vocabulary words that could be used include:

Debt, profit, business partners, cheated, clever, lazy, and crops

Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)