Activity Overview
Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary from The Things They Carried. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the novel, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
- catharsis
- fatigues
- hamlet
- topography
- bivouacked
- rapture
- gangrene
- mine detector
- culottes
- latrine
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 Things They Carried by creating visualizations.
- Choose three vocabulary words from the text 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
Rubric
(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. |
Activity Overview
Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary from The Things They Carried. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the novel, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
- catharsis
- fatigues
- hamlet
- topography
- bivouacked
- rapture
- gangrene
- mine detector
- culottes
- latrine
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 Things They Carried by creating visualizations.
- Choose three vocabulary words from the text 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
Rubric
(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. |
How Tos about The Things They Carried Vocabulary
How to Facilitate a Vocabulary Sharing Gallery Walk
Encourage students to showcase their visual vocabulary boards by organizing a gallery walk. Gallery walks allow students to learn from each other’s work and deepen their understanding of key terms through peer interaction.
Arrange visual boards around the classroom
Display each student’s or group’s storyboard on desks or the walls. This creates an inviting space for movement and observation. Seeing all boards at once helps students make connections between vocabulary words and their visual representations.
Assign student groups to start at different boards
Divide the class into small groups and direct each group to begin at a different storyboard. This prevents crowding and ensures equal attention to every board.
Instruct students to rotate and discuss
Have groups rotate every few minutes to the next board. Encourage them to discuss the vocabulary word, its definition, and the illustration at each station. This active engagement promotes collaboration and reinforces understanding.
Prompt students to give positive feedback
Ask students to leave sticky notes or verbal comments with specific praise or questions for the creators. Constructive feedback boosts confidence and encourages thoughtful participation.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Things They Carried Vocabulary
What is a visual vocabulary board for The Things They Carried?
A visual vocabulary board for The Things They Carried is an activity where students select key words from the novel, define them, use them in sentences, and illustrate their meanings with scenes or images. This helps deepen vocabulary understanding in a creative, engaging way.
How can I teach The Things They Carried vocabulary to 9th and 10th graders?
To teach The Things They Carried vocabulary to 9th and 10th graders, have students choose words from the novel, look up definitions, use each word in a sentence, and create visual representations using drawings or photos. This reinforces comprehension and retention.
What are some key vocabulary words from The Things They Carried?
Common vocabulary words from The Things They Carried include catharsis, fatigues, hamlet, topography, bivouacked, rapture, gangrene, mine detector, culottes, and latrine.
What is the best way to engage students with novel vocabulary?
The best way to engage students with novel vocabulary is through interactive activities like storyboards or visual vocabulary boards. These let students connect words to images and personal experiences, making learning more memorable and enjoyable.
How does creating visualizations help students learn vocabulary?
Creating visualizations helps students learn vocabulary by linking words to images, which boosts understanding and recall. Visualization engages different learning styles and encourages deeper thinking about word meanings and usage.
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Things They Carried, The
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