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 storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary related to American Revolution.
Students will preview the terms and definitions and use whole class or small group discussion to demonstrate their understanding of each meaning. Then, they will create a spider map of 3-5 terms at the teachers discretion. 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 Vocabulary for American Revolution:
- Patriot
- Loyalist
- Act
- Boycott
- First Continental Congress
- Import
- Parliament
- Proclamation
- Protest
- Repeal
- Taxation without Representation
- Independence
- neutral
- Traitor
- Tyrant
- Treason
- Resolution
- Declaration of Independence
- Founding Fathers
- Militia
- Minuteman
- Second Continental Congress
- French and Indian War
- Proclamation of 1763
- The Quartering Act
- The Stamp Act
- The Boston Massacre
- The Boston Tea Party
- Declaration of Independence
- Founding Fathers
- Militia
- Minuteman
- Second Continental Congress
- Enlist
- Mercenary
- Revolution
- Strategy
- Tactic
- Treaty
- Turning point
- Volunteer
The Intolerable Acts or The Coercive Acts
First Continental Congress
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 vocabulary relating to the American Revolution.
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 storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary related to American Revolution.
Students will preview the terms and definitions and use whole class or small group discussion to demonstrate their understanding of each meaning. Then, they will create a spider map of 3-5 terms at the teachers discretion. 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 Vocabulary for American Revolution:
- Patriot
- Loyalist
- Act
- Boycott
- First Continental Congress
- Import
- Parliament
- Proclamation
- Protest
- Repeal
- Taxation without Representation
- Independence
- neutral
- Traitor
- Tyrant
- Treason
- Resolution
- Declaration of Independence
- Founding Fathers
- Militia
- Minuteman
- Second Continental Congress
- French and Indian War
- Proclamation of 1763
- The Quartering Act
- The Stamp Act
- The Boston Massacre
- The Boston Tea Party
- Declaration of Independence
- Founding Fathers
- Militia
- Minuteman
- Second Continental Congress
- Enlist
- Mercenary
- Revolution
- Strategy
- Tactic
- Treaty
- Turning point
- Volunteer
The Intolerable Acts or The Coercive Acts
First Continental Congress
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 vocabulary relating to the American Revolution.
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 American Revolution Vocabulary
How to Teach American Revolution Vocabulary Using Interactive Games
Engage students by turning vocabulary practice into fun classroom games like bingo, charades, or matching. Interactive play boosts enthusiasm and helps students remember key terms in a memorable way.
Select vocabulary terms for your game
Pick 3–10 essential words from your American Revolution list. Focus on terms students struggle with or need for upcoming lessons to maximize relevance.
Prepare simple game materials
Create cards or slips of paper with each vocabulary word and its definition. Add illustrations for visual support if possible.
Explain the rules and model game play
Demonstrate how to play using a sample round. Clarify expectations—for example, acting out words in charades or finding matches in memory games—to set students up for success.
Divide students into small groups or pairs
Assign teams of 2–4 for collaborative play. Encourage everyone to participate so all students get practice using vocabulary aloud.
Review answers and reinforce learning
After each round, discuss correct answers as a class. Highlight tricky words and encourage students to use them in sentences for deeper understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about American Revolution Vocabulary
What is a visual vocabulary board for the American Revolution?
A visual vocabulary board for the American Revolution is an activity where students define key terms and create illustrations for each, helping them understand and remember important concepts from the era.
How can teachers help students learn American Revolution vocabulary effectively?
Teachers can preview key vocabulary with students, discuss definitions in groups, and use creative activities like storyboards or spider maps to reinforce understanding and retention.
What are some essential American Revolution vocabulary words for grades 4-6?
Important terms include Patriot, Loyalist, Boycott, Declaration of Independence, Militia, Taxation without Representation, and Parliament.
How do students create a storyboard for American Revolution vocabulary?
Students pick 3-5 terms, write each term's definition, and draw an illustration that shows its meaning, arranging them in a visual map like a spider diagram.
Why is illustrating vocabulary terms important for student retention?
Illustrating vocabulary helps students engage visually and contextually, making it easier to understand and remember terms as part of their academic vocabulary.
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