“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary from The Five People You Meet in Heaven. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the novel, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
(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 Five People by creating visualizations.
Grade Level 9-12
Difficulty Level 1 (Introducing / Reinforcing)
Type of Assignment Individual or Partner
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. |
Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary from The Five People You Meet in Heaven. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the novel, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
(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 Five People by creating visualizations.
Grade Level 9-12
Difficulty Level 1 (Introducing / Reinforcing)
Type of Assignment Individual or Partner
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. |
Bring energy to vocabulary practice by turning review into a fun competition. Games help students recall meanings and use words in context, making learning memorable and engaging.
Select a game like Vocabulary Bingo, Pictionary, or Charades using the target words. Matching the game to your students’ interests boosts participation and excitement.
Print or write vocabulary words and definitions on cards or slips. Small groups encourage teamwork and let more students actively participate. Decide on rules and distribute materials before starting.
Demonstrate how to play a round using a sample word. Clear instructions help students feel confident and avoid confusion. Modeling sets the tone for a focused, fun activity.
Prompt students to explain words, act them out, or create sentences depending on the game. Reinforce correct usage and celebrate creative thinking with positive feedback throughout the activity.
A visual vocabulary board is an activity where students select vocabulary words from The Five People You Meet in Heaven, define them, use them in sentences, and illustrate their meanings with images or drawings to enhance understanding.
To create a vocabulary activity, choose three words from the novel, find their definitions, write them in sentences, and illustrate each word using drawings or photos. This helps students connect meanings to visuals for deeper learning.
Commonly taught words include cacophony, commodity, hoisted, abhorred, nimble, hydraulic, grotesque, and oblivion among others from the novel.
Visual vocabulary boards engage students by linking words to images, which supports memory retention, builds comprehension, and makes vocabulary learning more interactive and accessible in literature studies.
Yes, the vocabulary activity is flexible and can be completed individually or with a partner, allowing teachers to adapt it to different classroom needs and group dynamics.
“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