Search
https://sbt-core-www-c7bcewead6hdg8dr.eastus-01.azurewebsites.net/lesson-plans/five-people-you-meet-in-heaven-by-mitch-albom/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 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.

Example Vocabulary Words

  • cacophony
  • commodity
  • hoisted
  • abhorred
  • boardwalk
  • nimble
  • hydraulic
  • sever
  • restraint
  • paralysis
  • unravel
  • oddity
  • grotesque
  • ballyhoo
  • semaphore
  • influx
  • oblivion
  • pummel


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 Five People by creating visualizations.


  1. Choose three 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

Switch to: Common CoreArizonaCaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIowaKansasMarylandMassachusettsNebraskaNew JerseyNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaPennsylvaniaUtah

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 three vocabulary words.
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.


Activity Overview


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.

Example Vocabulary Words

  • cacophony
  • commodity
  • hoisted
  • abhorred
  • boardwalk
  • nimble
  • hydraulic
  • sever
  • restraint
  • paralysis
  • unravel
  • oddity
  • grotesque
  • ballyhoo
  • semaphore
  • influx
  • oblivion
  • pummel


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 Five People by creating visualizations.


  1. Choose three 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

Switch to: Common CoreArizonaCaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIowaKansasMarylandMassachusettsNebraskaNew JerseyNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaPennsylvaniaUtah

Rubric

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


Visual Vocabulary Assignment
Define, illustrate, and give an example sentence for any three vocabulary words.
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.


How Tos about The Five People You Meet in Heaven Vocabulary Activity

1

Organize a vocabulary review game for deeper understanding

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.

2

Choose a vocabulary game format that fits your class

Select a game like Vocabulary Bingo, Pictionary, or Charades using the target words. Matching the game to your students’ interests boosts participation and excitement.

3

Prepare materials and divide students into small teams

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.

4

Explain the rules and model an example round

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.

5

Play the game and encourage students to use vocabulary in context

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.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Five People You Meet in Heaven Vocabulary Activity

What is a visual vocabulary board for The Five People You Meet in Heaven?

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.

How do I create a vocabulary activity for The Five People You Meet in Heaven?

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.

What are some commonly taught vocabulary words in The Five People You Meet in Heaven?

Commonly taught words include cacophony, commodity, hoisted, abhorred, nimble, hydraulic, grotesque, and oblivion among others from the novel.

Why use visual vocabulary boards in high school literature classes?

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.

Can this vocabulary activity be done individually or in pairs?

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.




Testimonials

“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
*(This Will Start a 2-Week Free Trial - No Credit Card Needed)
https://sbt-core-www-c7bcewead6hdg8dr.eastus-01.azurewebsites.net/lesson-plans/five-people-you-meet-in-heaven-by-mitch-albom/vocabulary
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office