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 the region of the Plateau and its First Nations.
Great Plains Vocabulary
- Comanche
- Pawnee
- Omaha
- Sioux
- Dakota
- Lakota
- Nakota (Assiniboine)
- Cheyenne
- Siksika
- Ojibwe
- Powwow
- Feather Headdress
- American Bison
- Great Plains
- Winter Count
- Tipi
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 the meaning of new vocabulary words relating to the Great Plains region.
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 the region of the Plateau and its First Nations.
Great Plains Vocabulary
- Comanche
- Pawnee
- Omaha
- Sioux
- Dakota
- Lakota
- Nakota (Assiniboine)
- Cheyenne
- Siksika
- Ojibwe
- Powwow
- Feather Headdress
- American Bison
- Great Plains
- Winter Count
- Tipi
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 the meaning of new vocabulary words relating to the Great Plains region.
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 Vocabulary of the Great Plains Activity
How to Differentiate Vocabulary Activities for Diverse Learners
Recognize that students have a wide range of backgrounds and learning needs. Providing differentiated options ensures all students can access and connect with new vocabulary.
Offer multiple ways for students to show understanding
Encourage students to define and illustrate terms using art, oral explanations, or digital tools. Choice boosts engagement and supports different learning styles.
Pair students strategically for peer support
Group students so that those with stronger vocabulary skills can help others. Collaboration builds confidence and fosters a supportive classroom community.
Provide sentence starters for definitions
Give students sentence frames like “A tipi is…” or “A powwow means…” to help them begin their definitions. Scaffolding makes writing less intimidating for emerging writers.
Use visuals and realia for context
Show images, artifacts, or short videos related to each term. Concrete examples help students connect words to real-world meanings and make vocabulary more memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vocabulary of the Great Plains Activity
What is the Vocabulary of the Great Plains activity for students?
The Vocabulary of the Great Plains activity is a lesson where students define and illustrate key terms related to the Great Plains region and its First Nations. Students create a storyboard to visually represent and explain important vocabulary, supporting comprehension and retention.
How do students create a visual vocabulary storyboard for the Great Plains?
Students start by selecting at least three key terms, write their definitions in the description boxes, and create illustrations for each term using relevant scenes or characters. The finished storyboard visually demonstrates their understanding of the vocabulary.
Why is teaching regional vocabulary important in a Great Plains unit?
Teaching regional vocabulary helps students better understand readings and presentations by familiarizing them with terms they'll encounter, which improves overall comprehension and information retention during a Great Plains unit.
What are some key Great Plains vocabulary words for 4th and 5th graders?
Common Great Plains vocabulary words for this grade level include Comanche, Pawnee, Sioux, Dakota, Lakota, Cheyenne, Ojibwe, powwow, feather headdress, American bison, winter count, and tipi.
What are best practices for teaching Indigenous Peoples vocabulary in elementary classrooms?
Best practices include using visual activities like storyboards, providing clear definitions, connecting words to historical and cultural contexts, and encouraging students to illustrate and discuss each term to enhance engagement and understanding.
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