Vocabulary and Symbolism of the Statue

Aug 26, 2024

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Lecture on Vocabulary and the Statue of Liberty

Introduction

  • Book Level: Grade 6
  • Topic: Vocabulary words and a reading passage related to the Statue of Liberty.

Vocabulary Words

1. Affection

  • Type: Noun
  • Meaning: A fond or tender feeling.
  • Example: Hugging is a way to show affection.
  • Adjective Form: Affectionate
    • Example: An affectionate squeeze.

2. Appeal

  • Type: Verb & Noun
  • Verb Meanings:
    1. To make an earnest request.
    2. To be attractive or of interest.
  • Noun Meanings:
    1. An earnest request for help.
    2. The power to attract or be of interest.
  • Example: The smell of garbage does not appeal to most people.

3. Clasp

  • Type: Verb & Noun
  • Verb Meaning: To grasp or hold tightly.
  • Noun Meanings:
    1. A strong grasp or hold.
    2. A fastener that holds two parts together.
  • Example: Necklaces often have clasps.

4. Conspicuous

  • Type: Adjective
  • Meaning: Easily seen or noticed.
  • Example: A tiger in a zoo is conspicuous.

5. Contribute

  • Type: Verb
  • Meanings:
    1. To give along with others.
    2. To have a part in bringing about.
  • Noun Form: Contribution
  • Example: A contribution is something you give, not receive.

6. Declare

  • Type: Verb
  • Meaning: To make known openly.
  • Noun Form: Declaration
    • Example: The Declaration of Independence was a public statement.

7. Eloquent

  • Type: Adjective
  • Meaning: Skilled at speaking or writing.
  • Noun Form: Eloquence
    • Related Example: Dr. Martin Luther King's eloquence.

8. Exhibit

  • Type: Verb & Noun
  • Verb Meaning: To show in public.
  • Noun Meaning: An item in a public show.
  • Example: Sculptors sometimes exhibit their work in museums.

9. Ferry

  • Type: Noun & Verb
  • Noun Meaning: A boat carrying people across water.
  • Verb Meaning: To transport by boat.

10. Immigrant

  • Type: Noun
  • Meaning: A person who comes to live in another country.

11. Lofty

  • Type: Adjective
  • Meanings:
    1. Very tall or high.
    2. Noble in feeling.
    3. Proud or superior attitude.
  • Example: Becoming president is a lofty ambition.

12. Pedestal

  • Type: Noun
  • Meaning: A base on which something stands.
  • Example: The Statue of Liberty rests on a pedestal.

13. Persecute

  • Type: Verb
  • Meaning: To treat cruelly due to differences.
  • Noun Form: Persecution

14. Poverty

  • Type: Noun
  • Meaning: The state of being poor.
  • Example: A family in poverty has little money.

15. Unveil

  • Type: Verb
  • Meanings:
    1. To remove a covering.
    2. To reveal.

Reading Passage: The Statue of Liberty

General Information

  • Symbol: Freedom and welcome to immigrants since 1886.
  • Origin: Gift from France to the USA.
  • Purpose: Honor friendship and the American Revolution's 100th anniversary.

Challenges

  • Problem: Fundraising for the pedestal ($100,000 needed).
  • Solution: Fundraising events, including displaying the torch at the 1876 Philadelphia exhibit.

Assembly and Unveiling

  • Shipment: Arrived in pieces, over 200 carts.
  • Unveiling: October 28, 1886, with a large public gathering.

Significance

  • Location: Liberty Island, reached by a ferry.
  • Height: 305 feet, once tallest structure in NYC.

Immigration Context

  • 1880s Immigration: 1 million/year seeking new life due to persecution or poverty.
  • Poem by Emma Lazarus: Symbolizes welcome to immigrants.

Learning Objective

  • Focus: Understanding vocabulary and history of the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of immigration and freedom.