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https://sbt-core-www-c7bcewead6hdg8dr.eastus-01.azurewebsites.net/lesson-plans/the-sign-painter-by-allen-say/vocabulary
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
Another great way to engage your students is by creating a storyboard that uses vocabulary from The Sign Painter.
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:
- 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.
- Sometimes, the author may tell the definition of the word right in the same sentence or in the following sentence.
- Picture clues may help define an unknown word.
- Look at the unknown word and look for parts you may know. Sometimes a new ending or beginning has been added or changed.
- Use a dictionary or glossary.
mural
n. a painting or other work of art executed directly on a wall
"'It'll be like painting a mural,’ the boy said. ‘But who's going to see it way out here?’”
vacant
adj. having no fixtures, furniture, or inhabitants; empty
”They drove to a vacant lot where a blank billboard had been set up.”
raging
adj. continuing with great force or intensity
”But a wind came up, and they were caught in a raging dust storm.”
Some other vocabulary words that can be used are: storefront, hesitated, beckoned, stammered, billboard, landscape, canvas, ignition, horizon, and mesa
Template and Class Instructions
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 The Sign Painter by creating visualizations.
- Choose three vocabulary words from the story and type them in the title boxes.
- Find the definition in a print or online dictionary.
- Write a sentence that uses the vocabulary word.
- 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
Student Rubric
Student 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. |
Lesson Plan Overview
Another great way to engage your students is by creating a storyboard that uses vocabulary from The Sign Painter.
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:
- 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.
- Sometimes, the author may tell the definition of the word right in the same sentence or in the following sentence.
- Picture clues may help define an unknown word.
- Look at the unknown word and look for parts you may know. Sometimes a new ending or beginning has been added or changed.
- Use a dictionary or glossary.
mural
n. a painting or other work of art executed directly on a wall
"'It'll be like painting a mural,’ the boy said. ‘But who's going to see it way out here?’”
vacant
adj. having no fixtures, furniture, or inhabitants; empty
”They drove to a vacant lot where a blank billboard had been set up.”
raging
adj. continuing with great force or intensity
”But a wind came up, and they were caught in a raging dust storm.”
Some other vocabulary words that can be used are: storefront, hesitated, beckoned, stammered, billboard, landscape, canvas, ignition, horizon, and mesa
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 The Sign Painter by creating visualizations.
- Choose three vocabulary words from the story and type them in the title boxes.
- Find the definition in a print or online dictionary.
- Write a sentence that uses the vocabulary word.
- 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
Student 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 Sign Painter Visual Vocabulary
1
Organize a Vocabulary Word Wall for Ongoing Learning
Display key vocabulary words from The Sign Painter on a dedicated wall space in your classroom. This helps students continuously review and reinforce new words throughout the unit. Rotate or add words as students encounter them to keep the wall fresh and interactive.
2
Invite Students to Illustrate and Explain Words Weekly
Assign each student a vocabulary word to illustrate and explain on a card or small poster. Encourage them to use their own sentences and drawings. Post these on the word wall or share with the class to boost engagement and peer learning.
3
Facilitate Quick Review Games Using the Word Wall
Lead quick games like 'Guess the Word' or 'Word Charades' using vocabulary from the wall. These activities make review fun and help students recall meanings and usage in a playful way.
4
Encourage Students to Connect Words to Personal Experiences
Ask students to share a time when the vocabulary word applied to their own life or surroundings. Relating words to real situations deepens understanding and boosts retention.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Sign Painter Visual Vocabulary
What is a visual vocabulary board for The Sign Painter?
A visual vocabulary board for The Sign Painter is an activity where students select vocabulary words from the book, define them, use them in sentences, and illustrate their meanings with images. This helps students deepen their understanding of key terms within the story's context.
How can I teach vocabulary from The Sign Painter in a fun way?
Engage students by having them create storyboards using vocabulary from The Sign Painter. Ask them to pick words, write sentences, and draw or find images that represent each word, making learning interactive and creative.
What are some effective strategies for students to find the meaning of new vocabulary words?
Students can use context clues from surrounding sentences, analyze word parts, look for picture clues, or consult a dictionary or glossary to determine the meaning of new vocabulary words.
Can students choose their own vocabulary words from The Sign Painter?
Yes, students can select their own vocabulary from The Sign Painter by identifying unfamiliar words during reading or use a teacher-provided list, allowing for personalized learning and increased engagement.
What grade level is the visual vocabulary storyboard activity for The Sign Painter best suited for?
This visual vocabulary storyboard activity is designed for grades 2–3, making it ideal for developing readers ready to strengthen their vocabulary and comprehension skills.
More Storyboard That Activities
Sign Painter, The
Image Attributions
- racing herd : painting, scott richard, san francisco (2012) • torbakhopper • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
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© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
