Activity Overview
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary terms and allusions aids in overall comprehension and retention. With Holocaust literature, vocabulary and allusions often overlap as students are learning about real events, people, and places at the same time. Since they can overlap, teachers may want to use this template specifically for vocabulary, or just for allusions, as this example displays. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key terms and allusions that are historical, religious and cultural related to Milkweed. Previewing these can help students better understand the story and learn about the time period. This is also a good opportunity to help students understand the history behind the slur used against Romani people.
Examples of Terms and Allusions from Milkweed
- Anti-Semitism
- Holocaust
- Warsaw, Poland
- Nazi invasion of Poland, 1939
- Warsaw Ghetto
- Dr. Korczak
- Death Camps
- Roma (G*psies)
- Flops
- Propoganda
- Jewish Star of David
- Hanukkah
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 illustrates your understanding of key terms and allusions (people, places, events) in the story Milkweed.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the 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 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 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 terms and allusions aids in overall comprehension and retention. With Holocaust literature, vocabulary and allusions often overlap as students are learning about real events, people, and places at the same time. Since they can overlap, teachers may want to use this template specifically for vocabulary, or just for allusions, as this example displays. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key terms and allusions that are historical, religious and cultural related to Milkweed. Previewing these can help students better understand the story and learn about the time period. This is also a good opportunity to help students understand the history behind the slur used against Romani people.
Examples of Terms and Allusions from Milkweed
- Anti-Semitism
- Holocaust
- Warsaw, Poland
- Nazi invasion of Poland, 1939
- Warsaw Ghetto
- Dr. Korczak
- Death Camps
- Roma (G*psies)
- Flops
- Propoganda
- Jewish Star of David
- Hanukkah
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 illustrates your understanding of key terms and allusions (people, places, events) in the story Milkweed.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the 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 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 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 Key Terms and Allusion in Milkweed
Incorporate key terms and allusions into daily class discussions
Encourage students to use vocabulary and allusions from Milkweed in your classroom conversations. This helps reinforce understanding and makes connections to the story more meaningful.
Model making connections between historical allusions and students' lives
Share examples of how certain historical or cultural references relate to modern events or students' experiences. This builds empathy and deeper comprehension of the text.
Assign students to research and present on a chosen allusion
Have students pick an allusion from the story and research its background. Let them present their findings in a short oral or visual presentation to strengthen their understanding and presentation skills.
Create a classroom word wall for new terms and allusions
Designate a space in your classroom to display key vocabulary and allusions as they arise. Refer to this wall regularly so students can visually reinforce their learning.
Review terms with quick, engaging daily warm-ups
Start each class with a brief activity—like matching, drawing, or using a word in a sentence—to review terms and allusions from Milkweed. This keeps terms fresh and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions about Key Terms and Allusion in Milkweed
What are the key terms and allusions in Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli?
Key terms and allusions in Milkweed include historical, cultural, and religious references such as Anti-Semitism, Holocaust, Warsaw Ghetto, Dr. Korczak, Star of David, and more. These terms help students connect the story to real-world events and deepen understanding.
How can I teach allusions and vocabulary from Milkweed effectively to middle school students?
Start by previewing key terms and allusions before reading. Use activities like creating a storyboard where students define, describe, and illustrate each term. This boosts comprehension and retention, especially for complex historical references.
What is the best way to help students understand Holocaust-related vocabulary in Milkweed?
The best way is to contextualize each vocabulary word with historical background and visual aids. Pair definitions with real-life examples or images, and encourage students to discuss the impact of these terms in the story’s setting.
Why is it important to preview allusions before starting Milkweed?
Previewing allusions helps students connect unfamiliar references to real events, making the story more accessible. It builds background knowledge and aids in understanding the context and significance of key moments in Milkweed.
How can a storyboard activity enhance comprehension of Milkweed’s vocabulary and allusions?
A storyboard activity lets students visually represent and define key terms, promoting active engagement. By illustrating each term or allusion, learners deepen their grasp of complex concepts and historical context in Milkweed.
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