{"id":3385,"date":"2016-07-07T01:59:55","date_gmt":"2016-07-07T05:59:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bookunitsteacher.com\/wp\/?p=3385"},"modified":"2025-04-05T13:36:09","modified_gmt":"2025-04-05T17:36:09","slug":"christmas-july-gift-magi-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bookunitsteacher.com\/wp\/?p=3385","title":{"rendered":"The Gift of the Magi Vocabulary"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Gift<\/p>\n

Get<\/em> The Gift of the Magi Unit <\/span><\/em>over 4 blog posts. This first post The Gift of the Magi Vocabulary covers 10 focus words including a list with definitions, synonyms, and sample sentences from text. Also included are practice exercises and a test.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Gift of the Magi <\/em>is a heartwarming story of a young married couple who sell their most prized possessions to have money to buy gifts for the other. It makes a wonderful mini-unit to teach during the Christmas season.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

What Level is the Story Unit?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Not only is the message a good one, but the book lends itself to covering a number of CCSS skills. The original story measures 6.1-grade equivalent; however, it is a little challenging for sixth graders with its Lexile rating at 940. Due to this, I have also included a simplified version that measures a 4.9-grade equivalent. I made sure that both versions of the story contain the same vocabulary words, making this a perfect unit for differentiated instruction.<\/span><\/p>\n

Get the printable vocabulary list and practice from this post<\/span> here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Gift of the Magi Vocabulary List<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

instigate<\/strong> (verb) – to purposely agitate or incite; provoke<\/span><\/h3>\n

synonyms: prompt, initiate, start, activate, originate, bring about, set off<\/span><\/p>\n

Which instigates<\/strong> the moral reflection that life is made up of sobs, sniffles, and smiles, with sniffles predominating.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764<\/span><\/p>\n

prosperity<\/strong> (noun) – the state of being wealthy and successful<\/span><\/h3>\n

synonyms:\u00a0 affluence, opulence, success, richness, fortune<\/span><\/p>\n

The “Dillingham” had been flung to the breeze during a former period of prosperity <\/strong>when its possessor was being paid $30 per week.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764<\/span><\/p>\n

unassuming<\/strong> (adjective)- without airs or pretensions; modest; reserved<\/span><\/h3>\n

synonyms:\u00a0 humble, meek, ordinary, demure, simple<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, when the income was shrunk to $20, though, they were thinking seriously of contracting to a modest and unassuming <\/strong>D.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764<\/span><\/p>\n

depreciate\u00a0<\/strong> (verb) – to disparage or treat as having little value; belittle<\/span><\/h3>\n

synonyms:\u00a0 devalue, deflate, reduce, decline, downgrade, lessen, decrease in value<\/span><\/p>\n

Had the queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hair hang out the window some day to dry just to\u00a0depreciate<\/strong>\u00a0Her Majesty’s jewels and gifts. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764<\/span><\/p>\n

falter<\/strong> (verb) – to hesitate because of being confused or not sure<\/span><\/h3>\n

synonyms:\u00a0 waver, weaken, fade, pause, wane, abate, fumble, fail<\/span><\/p>\n

Once she faltered<\/strong> for a minute and stood still while a tear or two splashed on the worn red carpet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764<\/span><\/p>\n

prudence<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>(noun) \u2013 good judgment and caution; sensibleness<\/span><\/h3>\n

synonyms:\u00a0 forethought, carefulness, practicality, wisdom, care, good sense<\/span><\/p>\n

When Della reached home her intoxication gave way a little to prudence<\/strong> and reason.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764<\/span><\/p>\n

sentiment<\/strong> (noun) – \u00a0a way of thinking or feeling about something<\/span><\/h3>\n

synonyms:\u00a0 emotion, response, reaction, attitude, opinion, outlook<\/span><\/p>\n

It was not anger, nor surprise, nor disapproval, nor horror, nor any of the sentiments<\/strong> that she had been prepared for. He simply stared at her fixedly with that peculiar expression on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>patent<\/strong> (adjective) – \u00a0readily\u00a0open\u00a0to\u00a0notice\u00a0or\u00a0observation;\u00a0evident;\u00a0obvious<\/span><\/h3>\n

synonyms:\u00a0 clear, blatant, bold, unobstructed<\/span><\/p>\n

“You’ve cut off your hair?” asked Jim, laboriously, as if he had not arrived at that patent <\/strong>fact yet even after the hardest mental labor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764<\/span><\/p>\n

ecstatic<\/strong> (adjective) in a condition of extreme delight, overpowering emotion, or religious trance; enraptured<\/span><\/h3>\n

synonyms:\u00a0 overjoyed, thrilled, elated, blissful, rapturous, jubilant, joyous, gleeful<\/span><\/p>\n

White fingers and nimble tore at the string and paper. And then an ecstatic<\/strong> scream of joy; and then, alas! a quick feminine change to hysterical tears and wails, necessitating the immediate employment of all the comforting powers of the lord of the flat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764<\/span><\/p>\n

ardent<\/strong> (adjective) – having or showing very strong feelings such as passion, loyalty, or desire<\/span><\/h3>\n

synonyms:\u00a0 eager, devoted, committed, zealous, enthusiastic<\/span><\/p>\n

Jim had not yet seen his beautiful present. She held it out to him eagerly upon her open palm. The dull precious metal seemed to flash with a reflection of her bright and ardent<\/strong> spirit.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764\u25e6.\u00b8\u00b8.\u25e6\u2764<\/span><\/p>\n

Get the printable vocabulary list and practice including answer keys from this post here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Are you in search of free teaching materials? Look no further! I have an exciting option for you. Signing up for my weekly newsletter gives you exclusive access to my Newsletter Community Page. As a valued community member, you\u2019ll unlock a treasure trove of resources unavailable elsewhere, including the links to the digital resources for this unit.<\/span><\/p>\n

Join us today. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>This link takes you to the form to opt-in.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Gift of the Magi Vocabulary Practice<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Part 1<\/span><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

1. Write a short definition for each vocabulary word based on how the word is used in the story.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

2. Circle six words in the box that are synonyms of instigate<\/span>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
prompt<\/span><\/td>\nsuppress<\/span><\/td>\ncurb<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
restrain<\/span><\/td>\nkeep in check<\/span><\/td>\nset off<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
start<\/span><\/td>\nbring about<\/span><\/td>\nincite<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
initiate<\/span><\/td>\nhold back<\/span><\/td>\nmuffle<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

3. Fill in the word web with synonyms for prosperity<\/span>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Word<\/span><\/p>\n

Fill in the blanks with instigate<\/span> or prosperity<\/span>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

4. The leader of the movement was the one to ___________________________<\/u> the riot.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. The Great Depression was a time of little ___________________________<\/u>.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. As a woman of ___________________________<\/u>, she has a private jet.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. You will ___________________________<\/u> the workers to strike with this talk of unfairness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Matching – Write a, b, c, or d in each blank to match the best word to its synonym.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
8.\u00a0\u00a0 ______ agitate or incite<\/span><\/td>\na)\u00a0\u00a0 prosperity<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
9.\u00a0 ______ having little value<\/span><\/td>\nb)\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0depreciate<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
10.\u00a0 ______ humble<\/span><\/td>\nc)\u00a0\u00a0 instigate<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
11.\u00a0 \u00a0______ wealth<\/span><\/td>\nd)\u00a0\u00a0 unassuming<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Fill in the blanks using forms of the vocabulary words from the box above.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

12. Revolutionaries _____________________________ an uprising.<\/span><\/p>\n

13. The government ___________________________<\/u> the value of the dollar.<\/span><\/p>\n

14. The lady was so ___________________________ <\/u>that you\u2019d never guess she was a world-renowned actress.<\/span><\/p>\n

15. The sultan has great ________________________<\/u>.<\/span><\/p>\n

16. The economy ___________________________<\/u> after the beginning of World War II.<\/span><\/p>\n

17. Although he was rich and powerful, he remained an ___________________________<\/u> man.<\/span><\/p>\n

Part 2<\/span><\/h3>\n

18. Fill in the word web with synonyms for prudence<\/span>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Word<\/span><\/p>\n

19. Circle six words in the box that are synonyms of falter<\/span>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
revive<\/span><\/td>\nimprove<\/span><\/td>\nfumble<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
waver<\/span><\/td>\nperk up<\/span><\/td>\nwane<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
make a comeback<\/span><\/td>\nweaken<\/span><\/td>\nrecover<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
pause<\/span><\/td>\nrecuperate<\/span><\/td>\nhesitate<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Fill in the blanks using forms of falter<\/span> or prudence<\/span>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

20. She ___________________________<\/u> over the words in her speech.<\/span><\/p>\n

21. He showed ___________________________<\/u> in riding his bike only on designated trails.<\/span><\/p>\n

22. It is ___________________________ <\/u>not to walk on the frozen pond.<\/span><\/p>\n

23. The knight said, \u201cI will never ________________________________ in my quest for the Holy Grail.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

24. He became so angry that he was no longer ___________________________<\/u>.<\/span><\/p>\n

26. Circle six words in the box that are synonyms of sentiment<\/span>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
disbelief<\/span><\/td>\nresponse<\/span><\/td>\nindifference<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
emotion<\/span><\/td>\nreaction<\/span><\/td>\nattitude<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
hate<\/span><\/td>\ndisinterest<\/span><\/td>\noutlook<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
antipathy<\/span><\/td>\nway of thinking<\/span><\/td>\nconcrete<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

27. Fill in the word web with synonyms for patent<\/span>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Word<\/span><\/p>\n

28. Circle six words in the box that are synonyms of ecstatic<\/span>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
miserable<\/span><\/td>\nthrilled<\/span><\/td>\nblissful<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
depressed<\/span><\/td>\ndelighted<\/span><\/td>\ndejected<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
overjoyed<\/span><\/td>\nsad<\/span><\/td>\ndespondent<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
jubilant<\/span><\/td>\ndownhearted<\/span><\/td>\ngleeful<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

29. Circle six words in the box that are synonyms of ardent<\/span>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
eager<\/span><\/td>\npassionate<\/span><\/td>\nstrong feelings<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
halfhearted<\/span><\/td>\nreluctant<\/span><\/td>\nlackadaisical<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
unenthusiastic<\/span><\/td>\ndevoted<\/span><\/td>\nzealous<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
lukewarm<\/span><\/td>\ncommitted<\/span><\/td>\nindifferent<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

30. Matching – Write a, b, c, or d in each blank to match the best word to its definition.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
______\u00a0 readily\u00a0open\u00a0to\u00a0notice\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\na)\u00a0\u00a0 prudence<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
______ a way of thinking or feeling<\/span><\/td>\nb)\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0sentiment<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
______ to hesitate because of being confused<\/span><\/td>\nc)\u00a0\u00a0 falter<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0______ good judgment and caution<\/span><\/td>\nd)\u00a0\u00a0 patent<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Vocabulary Review<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Write a synonym for each word listed:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
1.\u00a0\u00a0 instigate<\/span><\/td>\n__________________<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2.\u00a0\u00a0 prosperity<\/span><\/td>\n__________________<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
3.\u00a0\u00a0 unassuming<\/span><\/td>\n__________________<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4.\u00a0\u00a0 depreciate<\/span><\/td>\n__________________<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5.\u00a0\u00a0 falter<\/span><\/td>\n__________________<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
6.\u00a0\u00a0 prudence<\/span><\/td>\n__________________<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
7.\u00a0\u00a0 sentiment<\/span><\/td>\n__________________<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
8.\u00a0\u00a0 patent<\/span><\/td>\n__________________<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
9.\u00a0\u00a0 ecstatic<\/span><\/td>\n__________________<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
10. ardent<\/span><\/td>\n__________________<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The printable version<\/strong><\/a> of this lesson contains answer keys and a vocabulary test.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Gift of the Magi Blog Posts<\/span><\/h2>\n

The posts will include:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n