US History Vocabulary Review Activity That Rocks!

US History vocabulary review can be fun and student centered! Using the game Envelope Races, students can review US History vocabulary in a competitive way.

Do your students struggle with US History vocabulary?

If you have taught History for any length of time, you know that some vocabulary is just HARD to learn, apply and remember. Popular Sovereignty anyone? What about Political Machines? Here are some things I know.

You can teach it with the best lesson you’ve ever taught and students will still forget it a couple of weeks later.
If you have English Language Learners, you know struggles with vocabulary are huge.
Meanings of some vocabulary can change with the unit you teach.
The Declaration of Independence and Constitution are HARD to read and understand.
If you teach EARLY American history, some of the 17th and 18th century vocabulary is difficult to read and understand in primary sources. Examples: Thou, ordain, angst etc.
The language of teenagers is NOT the language of history. Students don’t say the word “sovereignty” in every day language.

Do how can we tackle reviewing US History Vocabulary?

Practice is the key. An easy way to implement this practice is with the game Envelope Races.

How do you play the game?

Students are put in groups of 3 or 4.
They have an envelope for their group that contains vocabulary for a unit.
When the teacher says “GO” the first student begins describing a term from the envelope to their group. Clues have to be “good clues” not “gimme” clues.
When a student in the group guesses the word, the student who described it puts that term on their desk and picks up the next term to describe.
As the teacher, I usually give about 2 minutes per person to give clues. At the end of the 2 minutes, I say “PASS” and the envelope goes to the next person in the group.
If a student is in the middle of describing a term, they put it back in the envelope before passing it on.
Be sure to tell students to hold the cards behind the envelope so that others can’t “see” though the paper. If you use card stock, it’s usually not an issue.
The envelope continues to be passed around the group until a group gets all of their terms guessed and the envelope is empty.

Why is it a good activity for English Learners?

English learners should be listening, speaking, reading and writing as much as possible. This activity helps them practice 3 of the 4 in a fun way – and in CONTEXT of the unit you are studying.

How do you modify this for struggling learners?

This is the key. Tell students that if they pull out a term and they don’t know it, they simply put it back in the envelope and draw a new term. That’s it. It’s a way to take the pressure off.

You could also pair students up to describe terms together if you wish.

How do you prep this as the teacher?

Decide on the unit you are going to prep. Example: American Revolution or the Gilded Age.
4 students per group is ideal, but 3 will work.
Figure out how many groups you will need to make.
Copy that unit of vocabulary terms off – one per group. MAKE SURE you copy these off on different colored paper or card stock. Why? Terms will get dropped on the floor – I promise! You will know which envelope to put that term back in.
Cut up the terms and place each set in a different envelope. I recommend these envelopes from Amazon.
On the outside of the envelope, write the unit name and the color of the paper inside.
To store put the unit of envelopes in a larger baggie and label it. You are good to go for the next time you use it!
Veteran teacher tip: Use student council or NHS/NJSH kids to help you cut out the terms. Or have your spouse or kids help if you can trust them to cut straight. lol.

Final words of wisdom

I have this activity in my back pocket for the days we finish an assignment early. You never know when administrators will walk in. If you know, you know.
On super hard units, like the Constitution, I pull Envelope Races out every few weeks to keep the vocabulary fresh. It helps! I promise!
Yes, it’s a lot of cutting, but once you prep it, you can use it forever. Card Stock helps the cards last longer.
This is a great activity on the days you are beyond tired. The kids do the work and you just say “GO” and “PASS” – we all need these activities from time to time.

These activities are already made for you! Check them out below and save yourself some time!

8th Grade Early US History