Focus on Vocabulary Essential to Understanding Key Concepts:Look at the central ideas, themes, or processes students will need to understand in your classroom. For example, in a Social Studies unit on the constitution, terms like “separation of powers,” “amendment,” “Bill of Rights,” “civil liberties,” and “popular sovereignty,” are critical because they represent the core concepts of the topic. In other words, ask yourself, “Without this word, would my students struggle to understand the central ideas of this lesson/unit?” If the answer is yes, then it’s likely a key concept.