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 Northwest Coast and its First Nations. Students will preview the terms and definitions and use whole class or small group discussion to demonstrate their understanding of each meaning. Then, they will create a Spider map of 3-8 terms at the teachers discretion.
Names of some of the First Nations of the Northwest Coast:
Potlatch: A potlatch is a gift-giving feast practiced by Indigenous Peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of Canada and the United States.
Dip Net: a tool used for fishing; net bags were hung from a pole
Dentalium: a shiny white shell shaped like a tusk that was used as money by the North Coast Native Americans
Plank Houses: long wooden houses, some up to 60 feet long built by the Kwakiutl
Cedar: a type of evergreen tree
Salmon: a large fish with silvery scales that live in the North Pacific and Atlantic oceans
Totem Pole: a wooden pole decorated with carved animals. It was a status symbol of wealth for families.
Ceremony: the way people act during important events/a celebration
Talking Sticks: a stick in which a whale's tail is carved. A sign of a family's strength.
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Due Date:
Objective: To learn the meanings of words relating to our lesson you will preview the vocabulary and create a storyboard that demonstrates your understanding of different words.
Student Instructions
Requirements: Must have 3 terms, correct definitions and appropriate illustrations for each that demonstrate your understanding of the words.
Encourage students to use Northwest Coast vocabulary during class conversations. This builds confidence and helps students internalize new terms by putting them into context with peers.
Demonstrate how to naturally include new words when asking or answering questions. Students are more likely to use vocabulary when they see you doing it regularly and purposefully.
Design a dedicated space in your classroom to display key words and student-created visuals. This provides ongoing visual reminders and celebrates students' learning.
Pair students for 2-minute conversations where they must use at least one new word in context. These low-pressure chats reinforce understanding and boost oral language skills.
Recognize when students use new terms correctly by offering praise, stickers, or points. Positive reinforcement motivates ongoing participation and vocabulary growth.
Key vocabulary words related to the Northwest Coast First Nations include terms like potlatch, plank houses, totem pole, cedar, salmon, dip net, dentalium, and the names of various First Nations such as Tlingit, Haida, and Kwakiutl. Learning these words helps students understand the region's culture and history.
To teach Northwest Coast vocabulary, have students select key terms, define them, and create visual storyboards illustrating their meanings. This approach supports comprehension and allows students to demonstrate understanding through both words and images.
A potlatch is a ceremonial gift-giving feast practiced by Indigenous Peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast. It is important as a social event that marks significant occasions, displays wealth, and strengthens community bonds.
Visual vocabulary boards are graphic organizers where students define and illustrate key terms. They help students learn by combining text and visuals, making abstract concepts concrete and aiding memory retention.
First Nations groups of the Northwest Coast region include the Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, Kwakiutl, Bella Coola (Nuxalk), Nuu-chah-nulth (Nootka), Coast Salish, Quileute-Chimakum, Kwalhioqua, Chinook, Tillamook, and Yurak.