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 The Book Thief. Previewing these can help students better understand the story and learn about the time period.
Examples of Terms and Allusions from The Book Thief
- Anti-Semitism
- Holocaust
- Mein Kampf
- Adolf Hitler (also referred to as the Führer)
- Jesse Owens
- The 1936 Olympics
- Joseph Goebbels
- Joseph Stalin
- Beethoven
- Mozart
- Strauss
- Hitler Youth
- Dachau Concentration Camp
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 The Book Thief.
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 The Book Thief. Previewing these can help students better understand the story and learn about the time period.
Examples of Terms and Allusions from The Book Thief
- Anti-Semitism
- Holocaust
- Mein Kampf
- Adolf Hitler (also referred to as the Führer)
- Jesse Owens
- The 1936 Olympics
- Joseph Goebbels
- Joseph Stalin
- Beethoven
- Mozart
- Strauss
- Hitler Youth
- Dachau Concentration Camp
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 The Book Thief.
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 Allusions in The Book Thief
Incorporate Key Terms and Allusions into Daily Lessons
Integrate new vocabulary and allusions into your regular lesson plans to reinforce understanding. Connecting these terms to daily activities helps students remember and apply them in context.
Create Quick-Reference Word Walls
Design a visual word wall in your classroom with key terms and allusions from The Book Thief. Displaying words and images keeps concepts visible and top-of-mind for students throughout the unit.
Use Exit Tickets for Term Review
Ask students to define or use a key term or allusion from the day's lesson before leaving class. Quick exit tickets reinforce learning and help you gauge understanding in just a few minutes.
Facilitate Peer Teaching Activities
Pair students to teach each other about specific terms or allusions. Explaining concepts to classmates boosts confidence and solidifies comprehension for both students.
Connect Terms to Students’ Lives
Encourage students to relate key terms or allusions to their own experiences or current events. Personalizing learning fosters deeper engagement and long-term retention.
Frequently Asked Questions about Key Terms and Allusions in The Book Thief
What are key terms and allusions in The Book Thief?
Key terms and allusions in The Book Thief include historical, religious, and cultural references such as the Holocaust, Mein Kampf, Adolf Hitler, Jesse Owens, and Dachau Concentration Camp. These help students understand the time period and context of the novel.
How can I teach vocabulary and allusions from The Book Thief effectively?
Start by previewing key terms and allusions before reading. Have students create a storyboard that defines and illustrates important people, places, and events. This visual approach boosts comprehension and makes abstract concepts more concrete.
Why is it important to introduce key terms before reading Holocaust literature?
Introducing key terms and allusions before reading Holocaust literature helps students build background knowledge, understand historical context, and engage more deeply with the story’s themes.
What is a storyboard activity for The Book Thief vocabulary?
A storyboard activity asks students to pick key terms or allusions from The Book Thief, define or describe them, and create an illustration for each. This demonstrates understanding and encourages creativity.
What are some examples of allusions found in The Book Thief?
Examples of allusions in The Book Thief include Mein Kampf, Jesse Owens, the 1936 Olympics, Hitler Youth, and Joseph Goebbels. These references connect the novel to real historical figures and events.
More Storyboard That Activities
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