Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet

Vocabulary Activity

By Susan L. Douglass and Aiyub Palmer

Overview

The purpose of this activity is to acquaint students with the basic vocabulary they will hear in the film Muhammad, Legacy of a Prophet. Students work with this vocabulary by categorizing names and terminology.

Objectives

The student will be able to:

• Categorize and identify terms and proper names associated with beliefs, practices, groups and historical events related to the origin of Islam.
  
  
• Identify location names on a map.
  
  
• Define terms related to Islamic beliefs and practices.

Procedure:

• Cut the vocabulary words and definitions found in Student Handout 1: Vocabulary List into strips. Form students into groups of three or four and give them the strips to sort into five categories and record the words on the chart in Student Handout 2: Organizing Vocabulary. The categories are as follows: “Place Names,” “Individuals and Groups,” “Events in Muslim History,” “Beliefs,” “Practices.” The teacher may assist if necessary.
  
  
• Students who have already studied Islam prior to viewing the film may find the terms on beliefs and practices familiar. If not, it may be necessary for teachers to review the definitions of these basic terms in the glossary.

Adaptation:  For lower level or mixed ability students, have them cut out and use as definitions only the boldface words of the definitions and their pronunciation keys. Teachers may also select out the most basic terms, which are identified by an asterisk* next to the word.

Extension:  Have students make a word search grid or crossword puzzle using the basic definitions in boldface.