"First They Came": Storyboard Activity & Text Connections

Q: What is the main message of "First They Came" and how can students relate it to their own lives?

"First They Came" teaches the importance of speaking up against injustice. Students can relate by reflecting on times when they or others stayed silent about unfair treatment, showing how inaction can eventually affect everyone.

Q: How can I teach "First They Came" to middle school students in an engaging way?

Use activities like creating a 3-cell storyboard where students illustrate modern examples of staying silent. This helps make the poem's message relevant and encourages empathy and critical thinking.

Q: What are examples of modern situations similar to "First They Came" for students?

Examples include bystander behavior in bullying, not reporting cheating, or ignoring exclusion of classmates. Students can draw from personal experiences or current events for their storyboards.

Q: What steps do students follow to complete the "First They Came" storyboard activity?

Students should click Start Assignment , create a 3-cell storyboard illustrating their example, write scene descriptions, and save their work when finished.

"First They Came" Text to Self Connection

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Lesson Plan Overview

Template and Class Instructions

Student Rubric

Lesson Plan Overview

"First They Came" is all about how the poet stood by and watched the mistreatment of others and did nothing about it. Eventually, when he was being mistreated, there was no one to stand up for him. Although this poem was written a long time ago, this type of action, or inaction, is still very relevant in the lives of children as they navigate growing up and relationships. For this activity, students will think of a present day example of this inaction, and create a 3 cell storyboard describing and illustrating their example. They can choose a personal example, or something from current events.

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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.)

Due Date:

Objective: Identify, describe, and illustrate a situation where one might stay silent, and then fall victim to what they were silent about.

Student Instructions:

Click "Start Assignment".
In a 3 cell storyboard, illustrate an example using scenes, characters, and items.
Write a description of each scene in the description boxes.
Save and exit when you're done.

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 6-8

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual

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Student Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

Rubric

	Proficient 5 Points	Emerging 3 Points	Beginning 1 Points
Explanation	The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences.	The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear.	The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences.
Illustrations	The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items.	The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand.	The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions.
Evidence of Effort	Work is well written and carefully thought out.	Work shows some evidence of effort.	Work shows little evidence of any effort.
Conventions	Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct.	Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct.	Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect.

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Lesson Plan Overview

Copy Activity

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: Identify, describe, and illustrate a situation where one might stay silent, and then fall victim to what they were silent about.

Student Instructions:

Click "Start Assignment".
In a 3 cell storyboard, illustrate an example using scenes, characters, and items.
Write a description of each scene in the description boxes.
Save and exit when you're done.

More options

Copy This Storyboard

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 6-8

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual

Copy Activity

Student Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

Rubric

	Proficient 5 Points	Emerging 3 Points	Beginning 1 Points
Explanation	The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences.	The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear.	The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences.
Illustrations	The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items.	The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand.	The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions.
Evidence of Effort	Work is well written and carefully thought out.	Work shows some evidence of effort.	Work shows little evidence of any effort.
Conventions	Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct.	Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct.	Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect.

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How Tos about Making Connections: "First They Came"

How to Facilitate a Class Discussion on Bystander Choices

Start a conversation by asking students how they feel when they see someone being treated unfairly. Encourage honest responses to build trust and set the tone for meaningful dialogue.

Guide students to connect personal experiences with the poem

Invite students to share times they've witnessed or experienced inaction. Relate these stories to the poem’s message to deepen understanding and empathy.

Model respectful listening and questioning

Demonstrate active listening by paraphrasing student comments and asking thoughtful follow-ups. Show that every voice matters to foster a safe discussion environment.

Encourage brainstorming of positive bystander actions

Ask students to suggest ways to support others when they witness unfair treatment. Highlight practical ideas they can use in real-life situations.

Wrap up with a reflective exit ticket

Have students write a quick response about one thing they learned or a new way they might act in the future. This reinforces learning and personal commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Making Connections: \"First They Came\"

What is the main message of "First They Came" and how can students relate it to their own lives?

"First They Came" teaches the importance of speaking up against injustice. Students can relate by reflecting on times when they or others stayed silent about unfair treatment, showing how inaction can eventually affect everyone.

How can I teach "First They Came" to middle school students in an engaging way?

Use activities like creating a 3-cell storyboard where students illustrate modern examples of staying silent. This helps make the poem's message relevant and encourages empathy and critical thinking.

What are examples of modern situations similar to "First They Came" for students?

Examples include bystander behavior in bullying, not reporting cheating, or ignoring exclusion of classmates. Students can draw from personal experiences or current events for their storyboards.

What steps do students follow to complete the "First They Came" storyboard activity?

Students should click Start Assignment, create a 3-cell storyboard illustrating their example, write scene descriptions, and save their work when finished.

Why is it important for students to learn about the consequences of staying silent?

Learning about the impact of silence helps students understand responsibility, develop empathy, and encourages them to stand up for themselves and others in real-life situations.