Activity Overview
On top of words that are unfamiliar to students, Once has many vocabulary terms that pertain specifically to the history of the Holocaust. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary for the story. They should be encouraged to select a variety of words, both historical and not, in order to help gain a better understanding of the story and its historical context.
Examples of Vocabulary from Once
- Adolf Hitler
- Armband
- Aspirin
- Curfew
- Deserted
- Frenzy
- Disgruntled
- Ghetto
- Nazis
- Pleading
- Plummet
- Riot
- Vanished
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 defines and illustrates key vocabulary from Once to demonstrate your understanding.
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 | 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
On top of words that are unfamiliar to students, Once has many vocabulary terms that pertain specifically to the history of the Holocaust. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary for the story. They should be encouraged to select a variety of words, both historical and not, in order to help gain a better understanding of the story and its historical context.
Examples of Vocabulary from Once
- Adolf Hitler
- Armband
- Aspirin
- Curfew
- Deserted
- Frenzy
- Disgruntled
- Ghetto
- Nazis
- Pleading
- Plummet
- Riot
- Vanished
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 defines and illustrates key vocabulary from Once to demonstrate your understanding.
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 | 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 for Once
Incorporate vocabulary activities into daily reading lessons
Boost student engagement by weaving vocabulary practice into your daily reading block. Select a word of the day from Once, discuss its meaning, and challenge students to spot it in context. This regular exposure makes new terms stick!
Model using context clues to define unknown words
Demonstrate how to use surrounding text to make sense of tricky vocabulary. Read a passage aloud and pause to ask students what clues help unlock meaning. This builds critical reading skills for all subjects.
Create collaborative vocabulary posters
Assign small groups to design posters that illustrate and define a key term from Once. Display these in your classroom as visual reminders, and let students present their work to foster ownership and pride.
Encourage students to use new vocabulary in writing
Invite students to write short stories, journal entries, or poems using their new vocabulary words from Once. Point out strong examples during sharing time to reinforce learning and celebrate creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vocabulary for Once
What is a visual vocabulary board for the book Once?
A visual vocabulary board for Once is an activity where students select key terms from the story, write their definitions, and create illustrations to visually represent each word. This helps students deepen their understanding of both the vocabulary and the historical context of the book.
How can I help students understand Holocaust-related vocabulary in Once?
Encourage students to choose words specifically related to the Holocaust from Once, research their meanings, and create definitions and illustrations. This approach supports comprehension and helps students connect the vocabulary to the story and its history.
What are some key vocabulary words from Once by Morris Gleitzman?
Key vocabulary words from Once include Adolf Hitler, ghetto, armband, Nazis, curfew, plummet, riot, and others that are essential for understanding the book’s themes and historical setting.
What is the best way to create a vocabulary storyboard for Once?
The best way is to select at least three important terms, define each one in your own words, and illustrate them using scenes or characters from Once. Make sure your drawings clearly show the word’s meaning and relevance to the story.
Why is illustrating vocabulary helpful for middle school students reading Once?
Illustrating vocabulary helps middle school students by making abstract or unfamiliar terms more concrete, aiding memory, and improving comprehension of both the language and historical context found in Once.
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