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.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard describing and illustrating important terminology for the slave trade.
Designate a section of your classroom for a dedicated word wall. This visual display helps students repeatedly see and interact with key terms.
Collect the target words and their definitions from your unit. Having them printed or written out ensures clarity and ease of posting.
Display students' storyboard illustrations or drawings beside each term. Pairing visuals with words deepens understanding and memory.
Engage students in daily or weekly games (like matching, charades, or quick quizzes) using the word wall. This keeps vocabulary active and fun.
Remind students to use the word wall when speaking or writing about the slave trade. This promotes confident, accurate use of new terminology.
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.
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.
Key vocabulary words include Triangle Trade, Middle Passage, Plantation, Slave Codes, Cash Crop, Dehumanization, Indentured Servant, and Mercantilism.
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.
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.