Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary terms and allusions aids in overall comprehension and retention. Since they can overlap, teachers may want to use this template specifically for vocabulary, or just for allusions, as this example displays. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key terms and allusions that are historical, religious and cultural related to Refugee. Previewing these can help students better understand the story and learn about the Holocaust and the time period for Josef's story, Cuba under Fidel Castro for Isabel's story, and the Syrian Civil War for Mahmoud's story.
(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 illustrates and defines new vocabulary or allusions relating to Refugee.
Student Instructions:
Requirements: Must have 3 terms, correct definitions or descriptions, and appropriate illustrations for each that demonstrate your understanding of the words.
Grouping related allusions—such as historical events, cultural practices, or political terms—helps students see patterns and strengthens understanding. This approach lets them make meaningful connections across characters’ stories and time periods.
Begin by briefly discussing each thematic group and asking students what they know. This activates prior knowledge and sparks curiosity, preparing students for deeper learning.
Have students work collaboratively to research and present an allusion. Each group shares their findings and illustration, making the vocabulary more memorable and interactive for everyone.
End the lesson with a short game or quiz using the allusions and definitions. This active review helps reinforce key concepts and boosts recall for future discussions.
Refugee by Alan Gratz includes many allusions to historical, religious, and cultural events, such as Kristallnacht, Dachau, bar mitzvah, Fidel Castro, the Syrian Civil War, and the "Wet foot, dry foot" policy. These references help students connect the characters’ stories to real-world events.
To teach vocabulary and allusions from Refugee, preview the terms before reading, use storyboards for definitions and illustrations, and connect each term to its story context. This builds comprehension and retention for students in grades 6-8.
Allusions in Refugee provide background knowledge, deepen understanding of characters' experiences, and link the fictional stories to real historical events, such as the Holocaust, Cuban history, and the Syrian conflict.
Start by introducing key allusions from Refugee, have students define and illustrate each term using a storyboard, and discuss how these allusions relate to the characters’ journeys. This hands-on approach reinforces learning.
Allusions like Kristallnacht and Dachau in Josef’s story, Fidel Castro and the Maleconazo Uprising in Isabel’s story, and the Syrian Civil War in Mahmoud’s story help students grasp the historical backgrounds behind each character’s journey.