Activity Overview
Mothers take on many roles. Sometimes, we forget how much moms do for their kids. Have your students think of at least four roles or jobs that their mothers have. These roles should show many different sides to mothers.
A spider map template works very well with this activity because there is less emphasis on ordering than there would be with a list. The Frayer Model template works similarly well, but you are limited to exactly four items.
Pair this activity with a lesson or review of metaphors and poetic language!
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In each header, write a role that mom plays in your life.
- Find characters that look like you and your mom!
- Add illustrations using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and dialogue.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visualizations | Images show creativity and care. | Scenes, characters, and items are appropriate for this purpose. | Images are confusing or do not make sense for this purpose. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. |
Activity Overview
Mothers take on many roles. Sometimes, we forget how much moms do for their kids. Have your students think of at least four roles or jobs that their mothers have. These roles should show many different sides to mothers.
A spider map template works very well with this activity because there is less emphasis on ordering than there would be with a list. The Frayer Model template works similarly well, but you are limited to exactly four items.
Pair this activity with a lesson or review of metaphors and poetic language!
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In each header, write a role that mom plays in your life.
- Find characters that look like you and your mom!
- Add illustrations using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and dialogue.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visualizations | Images show creativity and care. | Scenes, characters, and items are appropriate for this purpose. | Images are confusing or do not make sense for this purpose. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. |
How Tos about Appreciating Mom: Mother Roles
Engage Students with a Mother's Day Class Discussion
Foster participation by starting a class discussion about the many roles mothers play. Invite students to share examples of what their moms do for them, encouraging respectful listening and appreciation for different family structures.
Connect Metaphors to Real-Life Examples
Guide students to brainstorm metaphors that describe their mothers’ roles (e.g., "My mom is a chef," "My mom is a coach"). Explain how metaphors express appreciation in creative ways, linking language arts skills with personal reflection.
Model Using a Spider Map to Brainstorm Roles
Demonstrate how to create a spider map on the board, writing "Mom" in the center and branching out to four or more different roles. Show how each branch can include a role and a brief description to spark student ideas.
Encourage Creative Illustrations and Dialogue
Inspire students to add drawings and speech bubbles that represent their mom in each role. Suggest using scenes and dialogue that show appreciation and highlight daily contributions.
Share and Celebrate Student Work
Organize a gallery walk or sharing session where students present their spider maps or Frayer Models. Encourage positive feedback and celebrate the diversity of family experiences in your classroom.
Frequently Asked Questions about Appreciating Mom: Mother Roles
What are some creative ways to teach students about the different roles mothers play?
One creative way is to have students brainstorm and illustrate at least four roles their mothers take on, using a spider map or the Frayer Model. This encourages them to think beyond traditional roles and express their ideas visually, fostering deeper appreciation and understanding.
How can I use a spider map to help students explore mother roles?
Provide students with a spider map template and ask them to write a different role or job their mom does in each branch. They can add illustrations, scenes, and dialogue to make connections more personal and engaging.
What is the Frayer Model and how does it apply to teaching about mothers?
The Frayer Model is a graphic organizer with four sections. For this activity, students fill each section with a different role their mother plays, helping them categorize and reflect on diverse aspects of their mom’s contributions.
How can I incorporate metaphors or poetic language into a lesson about mothers' roles?
Encourage students to describe their mothers using metaphors (e.g., "My mom is a superhero" or "My mom is the heart of our family"). This adds depth and creativity to their reflections and enhances language skills.
What are some quick Mother's Day classroom activities for elementary students?
Quick activities include making spider maps of mom’s roles, writing thank you notes, drawing favorite memories, and using poetic language to describe their mothers. These are simple, meaningful, and can be completed individually or with partners.
More Storyboard That Activities
Mother's Day Activities
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
