Activity Overview
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary terms and allusions aids in overall comprehension and retention. 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 Refugee. Previewing these can help students better understand the story and learn about the Holocaust and the time period for Josef's story, Cuba under Fidel Castro for Isabel's story, and the Syrian Civil War for Mahmoud's story.
Examples of Terms and Allusions from Refugee by Alan Gratz
Josef's Story
- Adolf Hitler
- Kristallnacht
- Dachau
- bar mitzvah
- minyan
- yarmulke
- tallisim
- Führer
- swastika
- Sturmabteilung /brownshirts
- synagogues
- Torah
- Civil Restoration Act 1933
- The Yellow Star
- S.S. St. Louis
Isabel's Story
- Batista
- Fidel Castro
- el norte
- clave
- mañana
- ration book
- communist
- Guantanamo Bay
- "The Storm of the Century"
- "Libertad"
- Maleconazo Uprising
- "Wet foot, dry foot" policy
- Florida Straits
- The 1994 Cuban rafting crisis
Mahmoud's Story
- Bashar al-Assad
- European Union (EU)
- Aleppo
- Syrian Civil War
- Daesh
- Mecca
- Hijab
- Mu'adhdhin
- Lesbos
- Google Maps / Apple Maps
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 and defines new vocabulary or allusions relating to Refugee.
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. 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 Refugee. Previewing these can help students better understand the story and learn about the Holocaust and the time period for Josef's story, Cuba under Fidel Castro for Isabel's story, and the Syrian Civil War for Mahmoud's story.
Examples of Terms and Allusions from Refugee by Alan Gratz
Josef's Story
- Adolf Hitler
- Kristallnacht
- Dachau
- bar mitzvah
- minyan
- yarmulke
- tallisim
- Führer
- swastika
- Sturmabteilung /brownshirts
- synagogues
- Torah
- Civil Restoration Act 1933
- The Yellow Star
- S.S. St. Louis
Isabel's Story
- Batista
- Fidel Castro
- el norte
- clave
- mañana
- ration book
- communist
- Guantanamo Bay
- "The Storm of the Century"
- "Libertad"
- Maleconazo Uprising
- "Wet foot, dry foot" policy
- Florida Straits
- The 1994 Cuban rafting crisis
Mahmoud's Story
- Bashar al-Assad
- European Union (EU)
- Aleppo
- Syrian Civil War
- Daesh
- Mecca
- Hijab
- Mu'adhdhin
- Lesbos
- Google Maps / Apple Maps
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 and defines new vocabulary or allusions relating to Refugee.
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 Allusions in Refugee
Organize allusion vocabulary into thematic groups for deeper connections
Grouping related allusions—such as historical events, cultural practices, or political terms—helps students see patterns and strengthens understanding. This approach lets them make meaningful connections across characters’ stories and time periods.
Introduce each group with a quick class discussion
Begin by briefly discussing each thematic group and asking students what they know. This activates prior knowledge and sparks curiosity, preparing students for deeper learning.
Assign small groups to research and present one allusion from their group
Have students work collaboratively to research and present an allusion. Each group shares their findings and illustration, making the vocabulary more memorable and interactive for everyone.
Reinforce learning with a quick review game or quiz
End the lesson with a short game or quiz using the allusions and definitions. This active review helps reinforce key concepts and boosts recall for future discussions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Allusions in Refugee
What are some important allusions in Refugee by Alan Gratz?
Refugee by Alan Gratz includes many allusions to historical, religious, and cultural events, such as Kristallnacht, Dachau, bar mitzvah, Fidel Castro, the Syrian Civil War, and the "Wet foot, dry foot" policy. These references help students connect the characters’ stories to real-world events.
How can I teach key vocabulary and allusions from Refugee effectively?
To teach vocabulary and allusions from Refugee, preview the terms before reading, use storyboards for definitions and illustrations, and connect each term to its story context. This builds comprehension and retention for students in grades 6-8.
Why are allusions important in the novel Refugee?
Allusions in Refugee provide background knowledge, deepen understanding of characters' experiences, and link the fictional stories to real historical events, such as the Holocaust, Cuban history, and the Syrian conflict.
What is a quick lesson plan for teaching allusions in Refugee?
Start by introducing key allusions from Refugee, have students define and illustrate each term using a storyboard, and discuss how these allusions relate to the characters’ journeys. This hands-on approach reinforces learning.
Which allusions from Refugee help students understand the historical context?
Allusions like Kristallnacht and Dachau in Josef’s story, Fidel Castro and the Maleconazo Uprising in Isabel’s story, and the Syrian Civil War in Mahmoud’s story help students grasp the historical backgrounds behind each character’s journey.
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