Activity Overview
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary that students will see in their readings or presentations aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a spider map that defines and illustrates key vocabulary related to the Arctic/Subarctic region and its First Nations. Each cell will contain a term, its definition and an illustration that depicts the meaning. When students define and illustrate each term, they master the application of it and retain it as part of their lexicon.
Suggested Arctic First Nations Vocabulary
- Athabascan
- Aleut (Unangan)
- Yupik
- Inuit (Iñupiat)
- In Canada:
- Athabaskan (Dene)
- Gwich’in
- Inuit (Inuvialuit)
- In Greenland:
- Inuit (Kalaallit)
- Ojibwa
- Atikamekw
- Innu
- Beothuk
- Igloo
- Skin Tent
- Umiak
- Kayak
- Tundra
- Permafrost
- Taiga or boreal forest
- Iditarod
- Ice Skimmer
- Tuuq
- Ice probe
- Musher
- Glacier
- Mukluks or kamik
- Snow Goggles
- Snowshoes
- Ulu
- Aurora Borealis
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 storyboard that demonstrates your understanding of different words using both an illustration and a definition.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the key terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements: Must have 3 terms, correct definitions 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 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definitions | The vocabulary words are correctly defined. | The meaning of the vocabulary words can be understood but it is somewhat unclear. | The vocabulary word is not clearly defined |
| Illustrations | The storyboard illustrations clearly depict the meaning of the vocabulary words. | The illustrations relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words but it they are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary that students will see in their readings or presentations aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a spider map that defines and illustrates key vocabulary related to the Arctic/Subarctic region and its First Nations. Each cell will contain a term, its definition and an illustration that depicts the meaning. When students define and illustrate each term, they master the application of it and retain it as part of their lexicon.
Suggested Arctic First Nations Vocabulary
- Athabascan
- Aleut (Unangan)
- Yupik
- Inuit (Iñupiat)
- In Canada:
- Athabaskan (Dene)
- Gwich’in
- Inuit (Inuvialuit)
- In Greenland:
- Inuit (Kalaallit)
- Ojibwa
- Atikamekw
- Innu
- Beothuk
- Igloo
- Skin Tent
- Umiak
- Kayak
- Tundra
- Permafrost
- Taiga or boreal forest
- Iditarod
- Ice Skimmer
- Tuuq
- Ice probe
- Musher
- Glacier
- Mukluks or kamik
- Snow Goggles
- Snowshoes
- Ulu
- Aurora Borealis
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 storyboard that demonstrates your understanding of different words using both an illustration and a definition.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the key terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements: Must have 3 terms, correct definitions 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 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definitions | The vocabulary words are correctly defined. | The meaning of the vocabulary words can be understood but it is somewhat unclear. | The vocabulary word is not clearly defined |
| Illustrations | The storyboard illustrations clearly depict the meaning of the vocabulary words. | The illustrations relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words but it they are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Indigenous Peoples of the Arctic/Subarctic Vocabulary
Organize a collaborative vocabulary wall for Arctic/Subarctic terms
Create a shared classroom space where students can post and update key Arctic/Subarctic vocabulary. This encourages peer learning, allows for ongoing additions, and helps students visualize new words in context.
Assign roles for researching and illustrating unfamiliar terms
Divide students into small groups and assign each group a set of unfamiliar words to research. Have them find definitions and create simple illustrations, then present their findings to the class.
Facilitate quick vocabulary review games using flashcards
Use flashcards with images on one side and terms or definitions on the other to play matching or memory games. This makes vocabulary practice engaging and reinforces retention.
Integrate vocabulary into daily Arctic/Subarctic discussions
Encourage students to use new words during class discussions or morning meetings. Award points or praise for correct usage to boost confidence and familiarity.
Assess understanding with a vocabulary scavenger hunt
Design a scavenger hunt where students find and explain vocabulary words hidden around the classroom or in reading materials. This active approach deepens comprehension and makes learning fun.
Frequently Asked Questions about Indigenous Peoples of the Arctic/Subarctic Vocabulary
What is a visual vocabulary board for Arctic and Subarctic Indigenous Peoples?
A visual vocabulary board is a learning tool where students define and illustrate key terms related to the Arctic/Subarctic Indigenous Peoples, helping them better understand and remember important concepts.
How can I teach Arctic First Nations vocabulary to 4th or 5th graders?
To teach Arctic First Nations vocabulary to 4th or 5th graders, have students create spider maps with each term, its definition, and an illustration. This engages them visually and helps deepen understanding.
What are some key vocabulary words for lessons on Indigenous Peoples of the Arctic?
Key vocabulary words include Athabascan, Inuit, Igloo, Umiak, Tundra, Kayak, Permafrost, Mukluks, and Aurora Borealis, among others relevant to Arctic and Subarctic cultures.
Why is it important for students to define and illustrate Indigenous Arctic terms?
Having students define and illustrate Indigenous Arctic terms builds comprehension, retention, and cultural understanding, making vocabulary more meaningful and easier to remember.
What is the best way to structure a quick Indigenous vocabulary activity for elementary students?
The best way is to assign 3 key terms, ask for correct definitions and appropriate illustrations, and use visual organizers like spider maps to reinforce understanding in a short, engaging lesson.
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Indigenous Peoples of the Arctic
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