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 spider map that defines and illustrates key vocabulary related to the region of the Southwest and its First Nations. 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.
Indigenous Peoples of the Southwest Vocabulary
- ancient Anasazi
- Hopi
- Zuni
- Yaqui
- Yuma
- Apache
- Tao
- Navajo (Dine)
- Kiva
- Cliff dwelling
- Adobe Pueblo Apartments
- Hogan House
- Mesa
- Adobe Clay
- Adobe Clay Pot
- Trickster Tale
- Origin Story
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 demonstrates your understanding of different words using both an illustration and a definition.
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 spider map that defines and illustrates key vocabulary related to the region of the Southwest and its First Nations. 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.
Indigenous Peoples of the Southwest Vocabulary
- ancient Anasazi
- Hopi
- Zuni
- Yaqui
- Yuma
- Apache
- Tao
- Navajo (Dine)
- Kiva
- Cliff dwelling
- Adobe Pueblo Apartments
- Hogan House
- Mesa
- Adobe Clay
- Adobe Clay Pot
- Trickster Tale
- Origin Story
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 demonstrates your understanding of different words using both an illustration and a definition.
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 Native Americans of the Southwest Key Vocabulary Activity
How To Differentiate Vocabulary Activities for Varied Learners
Assess your students’ readiness and learning profiles to tailor vocabulary tasks for diverse needs. This helps ensure every student can participate meaningfully in the activity, regardless of reading level or background knowledge.
Offer multiple options for students to show understanding
Allow students to choose between drawing, writing, acting out, or using digital tools to define vocabulary terms. Choice increases engagement and lets students demonstrate knowledge in ways that suit their strengths.
Provide sentence starters and word banks
Supply useful phrases and vocabulary lists to support students who need extra help with definitions or explanations. This scaffolding boosts confidence and reduces frustration for emergent writers or English learners.
Incorporate peer support and collaborative discussion
Pair students strategically or form small groups so they can discuss tricky terms and share ideas. Collaboration encourages deeper thinking and allows students to learn from one another’s perspectives.
Adjust the number or complexity of terms as needed
Modify the vocabulary list so some students work with fewer or more familiar terms, while others tackle extra or challenge words. Differentiation keeps tasks achievable and motivating for all learners.
Frequently Asked Questions about Native Americans of the Southwest Key Vocabulary Activity
What is a visual vocabulary board for teaching Southwest Native American terms?
A visual vocabulary board is a teaching tool where students define and illustrate key terms, such as names and concepts related to Southwest Native Americans. This helps students better understand and remember new vocabulary by connecting definitions with images.
How can I make a spider map activity for Indigenous Peoples of the Southwest vocabulary?
To create a spider map activity, have students choose key terms, write their definitions in description boxes, and draw pictures that show each term’s meaning. This approach aids comprehension and retention by engaging both visual and verbal skills.
Why is it important to teach key vocabulary before starting a Southwest Native Americans unit?
Pre-teaching key vocabulary helps students understand readings and presentations more easily. By learning important terms in advance, students can focus on new content and concepts, improving both comprehension and long-term retention.
What are some essential vocabulary words for teaching about the Indigenous Peoples of the Southwest?
Essential terms include Ancient Anasazi, Hopi, Zuni, Yaqui, Yuma, Apache, Navajo (Dine), Kiva, Cliff dwelling, Adobe, Pueblo, Hogan, Mesa, Adobe Clay Pot, Trickster Tale, and Origin Story. Teaching these words builds foundational knowledge for your students.
What is the best way to assess student understanding of Southwest Native American vocabulary?
Have students define and illustrate at least three vocabulary terms using a storyboard or spider map. Assess their understanding by checking for accurate definitions and appropriate illustrations that show the meaning of each term.
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Indigenous Peoples of the Southwest
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