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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/the-slave-trade/vocabulary
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
Introducing students to new terminology at the beginning of a history unit will help them better understand what they're learning about. Students will create a storyboard that will define and represent Slave Trade vocabulary to assist them in the comprehension of the topic as a whole. Students define the term and create a corresponding visualization of each defined vocabulary term.
Slave Trade Example Terms
- Triangle Trade
- Middle Passage
- Slavery
- Overseer
- Plantation
- Slave Codes
- Cash Crop
- Dehumanization
- Racism
- Indentured Servant
- Mercantilism
- Runaway
- Slave Auction
- Stereotype
- Creole
- Fugitive
Template and Class Instructions
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard describing and illustrating important terminology for the slave trade.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title, type in the term.
- In the description, type the definition as it relates to the slave trade.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Visual Vocabulary Assignment
Define, illustrate, and give an example sentence for any five vocabulary words.
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | The definition is correct. | The definition is partially correct. | The definition is incorrect. |
| Visualizations | The storyboard cells clearly illustrate the meaning of the vocabulary words. | The storyboard cells relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words, but are difficult to understand. | The storyboard cells do not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words. |
Lesson Plan Overview
Introducing students to new terminology at the beginning of a history unit will help them better understand what they're learning about. Students will create a storyboard that will define and represent Slave Trade vocabulary to assist them in the comprehension of the topic as a whole. Students define the term and create a corresponding visualization of each defined vocabulary term.
Slave Trade Example Terms
- Triangle Trade
- Middle Passage
- Slavery
- Overseer
- Plantation
- Slave Codes
- Cash Crop
- Dehumanization
- Racism
- Indentured Servant
- Mercantilism
- Runaway
- Slave Auction
- Stereotype
- Creole
- Fugitive
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard describing and illustrating important terminology for the slave trade.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title, type in the term.
- In the description, type the definition as it relates to the slave trade.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Visual Vocabulary Assignment
Define, illustrate, and give an example sentence for any five vocabulary words.
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | The definition is correct. | The definition is partially correct. | The definition is incorrect. |
| Visualizations | The storyboard cells clearly illustrate the meaning of the vocabulary words. | The storyboard cells relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words, but are difficult to understand. | The storyboard cells do not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words. |
How Tos about Slave Trade Vocabulary Activity
1
Organize a classroom vocabulary word wall for the slave trade unit
Designate a section of your classroom for a dedicated word wall. This visual display helps students repeatedly see and interact with key terms.
2
Gather and print all vocabulary terms and definitions
Collect the target words and their definitions from your unit. Having them printed or written out ensures clarity and ease of posting.
3
Add student-created visuals next to each vocabulary word
Display students' storyboard illustrations or drawings beside each term. Pairing visuals with words deepens understanding and memory.
4
Incorporate interactive review activities using the word wall
Engage students in daily or weekly games (like matching, charades, or quick quizzes) using the word wall. This keeps vocabulary active and fun.
5
Encourage students to reference the word wall during discussions and assignments
Remind students to use the word wall when speaking or writing about the slave trade. This promotes confident, accurate use of new terminology.
Frequently Asked Questions about Slave Trade Vocabulary Activity
What is a slave trade vocabulary activity?
A slave trade vocabulary activity is a lesson where students learn essential terms related to the slave trade by defining them and creating visual representations. This helps students understand historical concepts and context more deeply.
How can I teach slave trade vocabulary to middle school students?
To teach slave trade vocabulary to middle schoolers, have students create storyboards. Ask them to define each term in their own words and illustrate its meaning. This approach builds engagement and comprehension.
What are some important vocabulary words related to the Atlantic Slave Trade?
Key vocabulary words include Triangle Trade, Middle Passage, Plantation, Slave Codes, Cash Crop, Dehumanization, Indentured Servant, and Mercantilism.
Why is it helpful for students to visualize vocabulary terms?
Visualizing vocabulary terms helps students remember definitions, connect ideas, and better understand complex historical topics like the slave trade by making abstract concepts tangible and memorable.
What is the best way to create a slave trade vocabulary storyboard?
The best way is to have students choose a term, write a definition in their own words, then illustrate it using scenes and characters. This process encourages creativity and deeper learning.
More Storyboard That Activities
Atlantic Slave Trade
Image Attributions
- African American boy harvesting shade tobacco for the Florida Cigar Company in Quincy, Florida • State Library and Archives of Florida • License No known copyright restrictions (http://flickr.com/commons/usage/)
- Cotton • SaucyGlo • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Drawing of a landing of a cargo of slaves • State Library and Archives of Florida • License No known copyright restrictions (http://flickr.com/commons/usage/)
- Long grain white rice • Iqbal Osman1 • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Slave Ship Poster - detail 1 • Believe Creative • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Sugar • Moyan_Brenn • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/the-slave-trade/vocabulary
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© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
