Vocabulary Activity for the Declaration of Independence

Activity Overview

When introducing students to documents or historical time periods, it's essential to get them familiar with common terminology at the start of the lesson! One of the great ways to engage students with new vocabulary is to have them create a visual vocabulary board. This activity focuses on vocabulary from The Declaration of Independence, however you can use this activity for other key terminology of the time!

The Declaration of Independence Vocabulary Activities

unalienable (inalienable)
perfidy
magnanimity
despotism
consanguinity
rectitude
abdicated
disavowed
insurrection
rectitude
usurpations

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Template and Class Instructions

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Student Instructions

Demonstrate your understanding of the vocabulary words in The Declaration of Independence by creating visualizations.

Click "Start Assignment".
Choose three vocabulary words from the text and type them in the title boxes.
Find the definition in a print or online dictionary.
Write a sentence that uses the vocabulary word.
Illustrate the meaning of the word in the cell using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.

Alternatively, use Photos for Class to show the meaning of the words with the search bar.

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 9-10

Difficulty Level 1 (Introducing / Reinforcing)

Type of Assignment Individual or Partner

Type of Activity: Visual Vocabulary Boards

Common Core Standards

[ELA-Literacy/SL/9-10/6] Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grades 9–10 Language standards 1 and 3 here for specific expectations.)
[ELA-Literacy/L/9-10/3] Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening
[ELA-Literacy/L/9-10/5] Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings

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Rubric

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Visual Vocabulary Assignment

Define, illustrate, and give an example sentence for any three vocabulary words.

	Proficient	Emerging	Beginning
Word 1 - Sentence	Vocabulary word is used correctly in the example sentence in both meaning and context.	The meaning of the sentence can be understood, but the vocabulary word is used awkwardly or in the wrong context.	The vocabulary word is not used correctly in the example sentence.
Word 1 - Visualization	The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word.	The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand.	The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word.
Word 2 - Sentence	Vocabulary word is used correctly in the example sentence in both meaning and context.	The meaning of the sentence can be understood, but the vocabulary word is used awkwardly or in the wrong context.	The vocabulary word is not used correctly in the example sentence.
Word 2 - Visualization	The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word.	The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand.	The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word.
Word 3 - Sentence	Vocabulary word is used correctly in the example sentence in both meaning and context.	The meaning of the sentence can be understood, but the vocabulary word is used awkwardly or in the wrong context.	The vocabulary word is not used correctly in the example sentence.
Word 3 - Visualization	The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word.	The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand.	The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word.