Activity Overview
When reading a memoir, there are often historically relevant words that students may not know, but will have to gain familiarity with in order to best understand the narrative. In The Boy on the Wooden Box, there are many vocabulary terms that pertain to the history of the Holocaust. In addition, the author includes some more difficult non-academic words to tell his story. For this activity, students will identify 3 terms and create a spider map defining and illustrating their meanings.
Examples of Vocabulary from The Boy on the Wooden Box
- Night of Broken Glass
- Heder
- Fervent
- Persecution
- Avert
- Bedraggled
- Refugee
- Impunity
- Deportation
- Nazi
- Shabbat
- Star of David
- Inadequate
- Concentration Camp
- Gestapo
- Looted
- Ghetto
- Evicted
- Aryan
- Confiscate
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 in The Boy on the Wooden Box 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
When reading a memoir, there are often historically relevant words that students may not know, but will have to gain familiarity with in order to best understand the narrative. In The Boy on the Wooden Box, there are many vocabulary terms that pertain to the history of the Holocaust. In addition, the author includes some more difficult non-academic words to tell his story. For this activity, students will identify 3 terms and create a spider map defining and illustrating their meanings.
Examples of Vocabulary from The Boy on the Wooden Box
- Night of Broken Glass
- Heder
- Fervent
- Persecution
- Avert
- Bedraggled
- Refugee
- Impunity
- Deportation
- Nazi
- Shabbat
- Star of David
- Inadequate
- Concentration Camp
- Gestapo
- Looted
- Ghetto
- Evicted
- Aryan
- Confiscate
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 in The Boy on the Wooden Box 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 The Boy on the Wooden Box Vocabulary
How to Introduce Historical Context for Vocabulary Terms
Provide background information before students encounter challenging terms. This helps students connect vocabulary to real events and better understand why these words matter in the memoir.
Select a Short, Compelling Video Clip About the Holocaust
Choose a brief, age-appropriate video that introduces the era and key events related to the book. This sets the scene and provides visual context for unfamiliar words.
Facilitate a Class Brainstorm of Prior Knowledge
Ask students what they already know about the Holocaust and related vocabulary. Recording their ideas on the board helps activate background knowledge and engage students from the start.
Create Anchor Charts for Key Terms Together
Work as a class to make anchor charts for main vocabulary words. Show the word, a simple definition, a picture, and a historical fact. Display these for ongoing reference and support.
Encourage Students to Connect Words to Personal Experiences
Invite students to share times they have encountered similar words or situations. Making personal connections helps vocabulary become more meaningful and memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Boy on the Wooden Box Vocabulary
What are some important vocabulary words from The Boy on the Wooden Box?
The Boy on the Wooden Box includes key vocabulary such as Night of Broken Glass, heder, persecution, deportation, concentration camp, Gestapo, ghetto, Aryan, and Star of David. These terms help students understand the historical context of the memoir and the events of the Holocaust.
How can I teach vocabulary from The Boy on the Wooden Box effectively?
Use visual activities like spider maps or storyboard vocabulary boards where students define, illustrate, and explain each term. This approach boosts understanding and helps students connect words to the memoir’s context.
What’s a spider map and how does it help with learning vocabulary?
A spider map is a graphic organizer that places a main word in the center, with definitions, examples, and illustrations branching out. It helps students deepen their understanding and remember new vocabulary by making connections visually.
Why is it important to learn Holocaust-related terms in memoirs like The Boy on the Wooden Box?
Learning Holocaust-related vocabulary is essential for understanding the experiences and historical context in memoirs like The Boy on the Wooden Box. These terms give students insight into the events, emotions, and challenges faced by the author and others during that time.
What’s an example of a vocabulary storyboard assignment for this memoir?
Students pick three key terms from the memoir, define each in their own words, and create an illustration for each term using characters or scenes from the book. This assignment helps students engage with the text and demonstrate their understanding visually and in writing.
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