“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
Learning new vocabulary is an important part of reading any book. Often, new words pertaining to an unfamiliar context need to be mastered before a student can understand what’s happening in a story. This is especially important when the story is set in a different time or different country and many words or context are quite unlike what students know.
(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 Diary of Anne Frank by creating visualizations.
Grade Level 6-8
Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)
Type of Assignment Individual
Type of Activity: Visual Vocabulary Boards
(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. |
Learning new vocabulary is an important part of reading any book. Often, new words pertaining to an unfamiliar context need to be mastered before a student can understand what’s happening in a story. This is especially important when the story is set in a different time or different country and many words or context are quite unlike what students know.
(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 Diary of Anne Frank by creating visualizations.
Grade Level 6-8
Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)
Type of Assignment Individual
Type of Activity: Visual Vocabulary Boards
(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. |
Set up a classroom word wall for Anne Frank-related vocabulary to make words visible and interactive for students. This helps reinforce learning every day and encourages students to use new terms in context.
Ask each student to select a word and add their own definition and a drawing or printed image. This fosters ownership and deeper understanding of vocabulary.
Highlight a few words each week by moving them to a special section and discussing them as a class. This keeps vocabulary fresh and encourages repeated exposure.
Start class with a quick activity using the word wall, like sentence writing or matching games. Regular practice helps students integrate new vocabulary into their writing and speaking.
A visual vocabulary board is an activity where students choose key words from The Diary of Anne Frank, define them, use them in a sentence, and illustrate each word with images or scenes. This helps deepen understanding of unfamiliar words from the book's historical context.
To teach vocabulary from The Diary of Anne Frank, have students select words, find their definitions, use them in original sentences, and create illustrations or find relevant photos. This method engages students and reinforces new terms through visual learning.
Key vocabulary words from The Diary of Anne Frank include ration, clandestine, Gestapo, invasion, occupied, concentration camp, and forbidden. These terms are crucial for understanding the book's context.
Visualizing vocabulary helps students grasp complex or unfamiliar terms by connecting words to images. This strategy supports memory, comprehension, and engagement, especially for texts set in different times or cultures.
The best way is to combine definitions, original sentences, and visual illustrations for each word. This multi-sensory approach allows students to internalize vocabulary more effectively and connect it to the story’s themes.
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher