Activity Overview
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary found in the book A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen. Students will create a spider map of 3-5 terms at the teachers discretion. Each cell will contain a term or allusion, its definition or description, and an appropriate illustration.
Examples of Vocabulary from A Night Divided
barbed: having or covered with protective points, spines, or thorns.
The Berlin Wall: A wall built as a barrier to separate East and West Berlin. At first it was a barbed wire fence erected August 12-13, 1961. It was later built into a solid wall that was 12 feet high and 4 feet wide guarded by the "Grenzers".
capitalism: an economic system based on private ownership of assets.
censor: subject to deletion on political or moral grounds.
The Cold War: A long period of tension after World War II between the democratic governments of Western countries and the communist governments of Eastern countries with the two main "superpowers" the United States and the USSR (Russia) leading the conflict. In Germany, the East was controlled by the USSR and the West by the United States, Great Britain, and France.
collective: done by or characteristic of individuals acting together.
communism: a system in which goods are owned in common and are available to all as needed. It is a theory advocating elimination of private property and a doctrine based on revolutionary Marxian socialism and Marxism-Leninism that was the official ideology of the U.S.S.R.
drab: lacking brightness or color; dull.
fascist: an adherent of right-wing authoritarian views.
fissure: a long, narrow opening.
Grenzers: Grenztruppen, nicknamed Grenzers, were the border police that stood guard along the Berlin Wall.
incite: provoke or stir up.
inconspicuous: not prominent or readily noticeable.
intercept: seize, interrupt, or stop something on its way.
oppressor: a person of authority who subjects others to undue pressures.
pantomime: act out without words but with gestures and bodily movements.
penance: voluntary self-punishment in order to atone for something.
Stasi:The Stasi or the "Ministry for State Security", was the official state security service of the German Democratic Republic (East Germany, GDR). It was an intelligence and secret police agency that was extremely repressive to its citizens.
subversive: in opposition to an established system or government.
treason: a crime that undermines the offender's government.
uprising: organized opposition to authority.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map that defines and illustrates key vocabulary from A Night Divided.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the vocabulary terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition or description of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: Must have 3 vocabulary terms, correct definitions or descriptions, and appropriate illustrations for each that demonstrate your understanding of the words.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | The definition is correct. | The definition is partially correct. | The definition is incorrect. |
| Visualizations | The storyboard cells clearly illustrate the meaning of the vocabulary words. | The storyboard cells relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words, but are difficult to understand. | The storyboard cells do not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words. |
Activity Overview
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary found in the book A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen. Students will create a spider map of 3-5 terms at the teachers discretion. Each cell will contain a term or allusion, its definition or description, and an appropriate illustration.
Examples of Vocabulary from A Night Divided
barbed: having or covered with protective points, spines, or thorns.
The Berlin Wall: A wall built as a barrier to separate East and West Berlin. At first it was a barbed wire fence erected August 12-13, 1961. It was later built into a solid wall that was 12 feet high and 4 feet wide guarded by the "Grenzers".
capitalism: an economic system based on private ownership of assets.
censor: subject to deletion on political or moral grounds.
The Cold War: A long period of tension after World War II between the democratic governments of Western countries and the communist governments of Eastern countries with the two main "superpowers" the United States and the USSR (Russia) leading the conflict. In Germany, the East was controlled by the USSR and the West by the United States, Great Britain, and France.
collective: done by or characteristic of individuals acting together.
communism: a system in which goods are owned in common and are available to all as needed. It is a theory advocating elimination of private property and a doctrine based on revolutionary Marxian socialism and Marxism-Leninism that was the official ideology of the U.S.S.R.
drab: lacking brightness or color; dull.
fascist: an adherent of right-wing authoritarian views.
fissure: a long, narrow opening.
Grenzers: Grenztruppen, nicknamed Grenzers, were the border police that stood guard along the Berlin Wall.
incite: provoke or stir up.
inconspicuous: not prominent or readily noticeable.
intercept: seize, interrupt, or stop something on its way.
oppressor: a person of authority who subjects others to undue pressures.
pantomime: act out without words but with gestures and bodily movements.
penance: voluntary self-punishment in order to atone for something.
Stasi:The Stasi or the "Ministry for State Security", was the official state security service of the German Democratic Republic (East Germany, GDR). It was an intelligence and secret police agency that was extremely repressive to its citizens.
subversive: in opposition to an established system or government.
treason: a crime that undermines the offender's government.
uprising: organized opposition to authority.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map that defines and illustrates key vocabulary from A Night Divided.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the vocabulary terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition or description of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: Must have 3 vocabulary terms, correct definitions or descriptions, and appropriate illustrations for each that demonstrate your understanding of the words.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | The definition is correct. | The definition is partially correct. | The definition is incorrect. |
| Visualizations | The storyboard cells clearly illustrate the meaning of the vocabulary words. | The storyboard cells relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words, but are difficult to understand. | The storyboard cells do not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words. |
How Tos about Vocabulary and Allusions in A Night Divided
How to Connect Vocabulary to Real-World Events for Deeper Understanding
Make vocabulary meaningful by linking each term to a real-world event or news story. This helps students see how words like 'censor' or 'uprising' relate to what happens outside the classroom and builds critical thinking.
Guide students to research a current or historical event that illustrates a vocabulary word
Ask students to find a news article, photo, or brief summary about an event connected to a vocabulary term. For example, connect 'censor' to recent examples of book bans, or 'uprising' to well-known protests.
Facilitate a class discussion linking the vocabulary word to the chosen event
Lead a short, focused conversation about how the event and the word relate. This encourages students to share their findings and reflect on the vocabulary's real-life impact.
Encourage students to create a visual comparison in their storyboard
Have students add a side-by-side illustration in their storyboard: one cell for the definition, another for the real-world example. This visual approach strengthens memory and understanding.
Wrap up with a quick-write reflecting on why understanding these words matters today
Ask students to write a few sentences about how knowing these words helps them interpret the world. This step deepens engagement and personal connection to the vocabulary.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vocabulary and Allusions in A Night Divided
What are the key vocabulary words in A Night Divided?
Key vocabulary words in A Night Divided include terms like barbed, censor, communism, Grenzers, Stasi, uprising, and treason. These words are essential for understanding the historical context and themes of the novel.
How can I teach vocabulary from A Night Divided effectively?
The best way to teach vocabulary from A Night Divided is to use interactive activities like storyboards or spider maps, where students define, describe, and illustrate each term. This helps boost comprehension and retention.
What is a visual vocabulary board and how does it work?
A visual vocabulary board is a graphic organizer where students select vocabulary terms, provide definitions or descriptions, and create illustrations. This method reinforces understanding by connecting words to images and context from the book.
Why is it important to start a lesson with key vocabulary?
Starting a lesson with key vocabulary helps students build background knowledge, understand complex texts, and retain new concepts more easily. It sets a strong foundation for reading and discussion.
Can you give examples of allusions found in A Night Divided?
Examples of allusions in A Night Divided include references to the Berlin Wall, the Cold War, and organizations like the Stasi. These allusions connect the story to real historical events.
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