Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary terms and allusions aids in overall comprehension and retention. With Holocaust literature, vocabulary and allusions often overlap as students are learning about real events, people, and places at the same time. 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 The Book Thief. Previewing these can help students better understand the story and learn about the time period.
(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 your understanding of key terms and allusions (people, places, events) in the story The Book Thief.
Student Instructions:
Requirements: Must have 3 terms, correct definitions or descriptions, and appropriate illustrations for each that demonstrate your understanding of the words.
Integrate new vocabulary and allusions into your regular lesson plans to reinforce understanding. Connecting these terms to daily activities helps students remember and apply them in context.
Design a visual word wall in your classroom with key terms and allusions from The Book Thief. Displaying words and images keeps concepts visible and top-of-mind for students throughout the unit.
Ask students to define or use a key term or allusion from the day's lesson before leaving class. Quick exit tickets reinforce learning and help you gauge understanding in just a few minutes.
Pair students to teach each other about specific terms or allusions. Explaining concepts to classmates boosts confidence and solidifies comprehension for both students.
Encourage students to relate key terms or allusions to their own experiences or current events. Personalizing learning fosters deeper engagement and long-term retention.
Key terms and allusions in The Book Thief include historical, religious, and cultural references such as the Holocaust, Mein Kampf, Adolf Hitler, Jesse Owens, and Dachau Concentration Camp. These help students understand the time period and context of the novel.
Start by previewing key terms and allusions before reading. Have students create a storyboard that defines and illustrates important people, places, and events. This visual approach boosts comprehension and makes abstract concepts more concrete.
Introducing key terms and allusions before reading Holocaust literature helps students build background knowledge, understand historical context, and engage more deeply with the story’s themes.
A storyboard activity asks students to pick key terms or allusions from The Book Thief, define or describe them, and create an illustration for each. This demonstrates understanding and encourages creativity.
Examples of allusions in The Book Thief include Mein Kampf, Jesse Owens, the 1936 Olympics, Hitler Youth, and Joseph Goebbels. These references connect the novel to real historical figures and events.