“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
In this activity, students demonstrate their understanding of several vocabulary words using a spider map. After choosing the word, students provide the part of speech, definition, and a illustration of the word through the storyboard.
(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 Seeing Eye to Eye by creating visualizations.
Grade Level 4-5
Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)
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. |
In this activity, students demonstrate their understanding of several vocabulary words using a spider map. After choosing the word, students provide the part of speech, definition, and a illustration of the word through the storyboard.
(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 Seeing Eye to Eye by creating visualizations.
Grade Level 4-5
Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)
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. |
Capture student interest by using interactive games, storytelling, or real-life examples when introducing new vocabulary. Engagement helps students connect emotionally and remember new words more effectively.
Demonstrate each step by choosing a word, finding its definition, using it in a sentence, and drawing or selecting an image. Show students how to organize their work and make connections between meaning and visuals.
Encourage thoughtful selection by discussing which words are important for understanding the topic. Prompt students to explain why they chose each word to deepen comprehension.
Assist students as they use dictionaries or online resources, and help them create meaningful sentences. Offer sentence starters or examples to build confidence and clarity.
Organize a sharing session where students present their boards to peers. Discussion reinforces learning and allows students to learn from each other's creative ideas.
A visual vocabulary board activity is a lesson where students show understanding of vocabulary words by creating illustrations, definitions, and example sentences, often using tools like storyboards or digital images. This reinforces word meaning through visual learning.
Teachers can use 'Seeing Eye to Eye' vocabulary by having students select key words, define them, use them in sentences, and create visual representations. This approach deepens comprehension and makes new terms more memorable for students in grades 4–5.
Students can illustrate vocabulary words by drawing scenes, characters, or items related to the word’s meaning, or by using online image resources like Photos for Class to find appropriate pictures. These visuals help connect words to real-life concepts.
Visual vocabulary helps 4th and 5th grade students better understand and remember new words by linking definitions to images. This method supports different learning styles and increases engagement, especially for visual learners.
Students should: 1) Choose three vocabulary words, 2) Find and write their definitions, 3) Use each word in a sentence, and 4) Create an illustration for each word using drawings or images. This process builds both vocabulary and creative thinking skills.
“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