Common Sense Vocabulary Lesson Plan

This Storyboard That activity is part of the lesson plans for Common Sense


Thomas Paine Common Sense - Vocabulary


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Activity Overview

This activity can be used throughout the reading of Common Sense, as it will require students to define a word that Paine uses that they may not be familiar with. In order for students to comprehend Paine's arguments, it is essential they understand the vocabulary he uses. Students will create a list of terms they are unfamiliar with as they read, and create a storyboard grid that will include the context of the term from the passage, a definition of the term, and a representation of what the term means or how it is used.


Extended Activity

For an extended activity, students should take each vocabulary term and create a modern-day representation of each term. Depending on teacher preference, the extended activity can reflect modern issues in society, or popular culture references.


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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 defining and illustrating new vocabulary and terminology from Common Sense.

  1. Click "Start Assignment".
  2. In the first column, identify the word and definition.
  3. In the second column, highlight the quote the word is used in.
  4. In the third column, visualize the term.
  5. Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.

3 Column T Chart

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