Activity Overview
A great way to provide students with equal footing and to facilitate better classroom discussion is to introduce them to key vocabulary and terms at the start of a lesson. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and represents key vocabulary of the Executive Branch. This will help them better comprehend this branch of the United States government and provide a visual reference for later activities. Students should define the term in the column to the left and create a corresponding visualization of each defined vocabulary term. The number of terms in student’s storyboard can vary at the teacher’s discretion.
Executive Branch Vocabulary
- Veto
- Electoral College
- White House
- Cabinet
- Executive Order
- Impeachment
- Pardon
- State of The Union Address
- Presidential Succession
- Mandate
- Primary Elections
- Treaty
- Treason
- Vice-President
- Lame Duck
- Political Platform
- Nominee
- Liberal/Conservative
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary for the Executive Branch.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the key terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition of the term and it's relationship to the Executive Branch.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
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
A great way to provide students with equal footing and to facilitate better classroom discussion is to introduce them to key vocabulary and terms at the start of a lesson. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and represents key vocabulary of the Executive Branch. This will help them better comprehend this branch of the United States government and provide a visual reference for later activities. Students should define the term in the column to the left and create a corresponding visualization of each defined vocabulary term. The number of terms in student’s storyboard can vary at the teacher’s discretion.
Executive Branch Vocabulary
- Veto
- Electoral College
- White House
- Cabinet
- Executive Order
- Impeachment
- Pardon
- State of The Union Address
- Presidential Succession
- Mandate
- Primary Elections
- Treaty
- Treason
- Vice-President
- Lame Duck
- Political Platform
- Nominee
- Liberal/Conservative
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary for the Executive Branch.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the key terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition of the term and it's relationship to the Executive Branch.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
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 Executive Branch Vocabulary
Guide students to use vocabulary words in context-rich sentences
Help students apply their new executive branch vocabulary by writing sentences that show real-life government scenarios. Using words in context boosts understanding and retention—students see how terms like 'veto' or 'treaty' work in action!
Model creating a sentence with a key term
Show an example by picking a word (like 'cabinet') and writing a sentence as a class: 'The president met with the cabinet to discuss national security.' Highlight how the word fits into the sentence and its government context.
Assign students to draft their own sentences
Encourage each student to choose three executive branch terms and write original sentences using each. Push for sentences that reflect real executive branch situations or decisions.
Facilitate peer review and discussion
Pair up students to share their sentences. Ask partners to check for correct usage and suggest improvements. This reinforces understanding through collaboration and immediate feedback.
Display strong examples in the classroom
Select a few excellent sentences from your students and post them on a vocabulary wall or share aloud. This showcases learning and gives everyone reference points for using terms accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions about Executive Branch Vocabulary
What are the key vocabulary terms every student should know about the Executive Branch?
Important Executive Branch vocabulary terms include veto, Electoral College, White House, Cabinet, Executive Order, impeachment, pardon, State of the Union Address, presidential succession, mandate, primary elections, treaty, treason, vice-president, lame duck, political platform, nominee, liberal, and conservative. Teaching these terms helps students understand the structure and functions of the U.S. government’s Executive Branch.
How can I teach Executive Branch vocabulary in a fun and engaging way?
An effective and engaging way to teach Executive Branch vocabulary is by using visual vocabulary boards or storyboards. Have students define each term and create illustrations representing them, which helps with comprehension and retention.
What is a visual vocabulary board for government terms?
A visual vocabulary board is an activity where students list key terms related to a topic, provide definitions, and add illustrations for each word. For government lessons, this method helps students visualize concepts and deepen their understanding.
Why is it helpful to introduce Executive Branch vocabulary before a lesson?
Introducing Executive Branch vocabulary before a lesson gives all students a common foundation, improves classroom discussions, and makes it easier for them to grasp new concepts during the lesson.
What grade levels are visual vocabulary boards for the Executive Branch suitable for?
Visual vocabulary boards on the Executive Branch are suitable for students in grades 6–12. The activity can be adjusted for different ability levels and works for both individual and group work.
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