Activity Overview
The setting of a story is the location and time, or the where and when. Settings often play a crucial role especially in the case of historical fiction as is the case in the book A Night Divided, as it can often provide context to events within the story. In this activity, students will illustrate and describe the where and when of the novel and explain its importance. As a supplement, students may want to identify key historical events that occur during the course of the novel and assess their impact on the story.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard identifying the different settings in the book A Night Divided.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the settings in A Night Divided.
- Add appropriate scenes, items, textables, etc. to illustrate each setting.
- Write a description for each cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 20 Points | Emerging 15 Points | Beginning 10 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting Description | The student effectively describes the setting by identifying the place, time, and atmosphere. | The student describes two elements of the setting. | The student describes only one aspect of the setting. |
| Role of Setting | The student effectively identifies how the setting contributes to the development of plot, characters, mood, and theme. | The student is able to identify how the setting contributes to the development of two aspects of the novel: plot, characters, mood, or theme. | The student is able to identify how the setting contributes to the development of one aspect of the novel: plot, characters, mood, or theme. |
| Shifts in Setting | The student identifies how the setting shifts and the effect this change has on plot, character, mood and theme development. | The student is able to identify how the setting shifts, and the effect this shift has on two aspects of the development of the novel (plot, character, mood, or theme). | The student is able to identify how the setting shifts, and the effect this shift has on one aspect of the development of the novel (plot, character, mood, or theme). |
| Appearance | Final product contains accurate visual depictions of setting and characters. | Final product demonstrates an effort to accurately portray settings and characters though some aspects are confusing and/or inaccurate. | Final product contains irrelevant images. |
| Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation | Final product is free of spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors. | Final product contains up to three errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar that do not alter the meaning of the text. | Final product contains more than three errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar. |
Activity Overview
The setting of a story is the location and time, or the where and when. Settings often play a crucial role especially in the case of historical fiction as is the case in the book A Night Divided, as it can often provide context to events within the story. In this activity, students will illustrate and describe the where and when of the novel and explain its importance. As a supplement, students may want to identify key historical events that occur during the course of the novel and assess their impact on the story.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard identifying the different settings in the book A Night Divided.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the settings in A Night Divided.
- Add appropriate scenes, items, textables, etc. to illustrate each setting.
- Write a description for each cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 20 Points | Emerging 15 Points | Beginning 10 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting Description | The student effectively describes the setting by identifying the place, time, and atmosphere. | The student describes two elements of the setting. | The student describes only one aspect of the setting. |
| Role of Setting | The student effectively identifies how the setting contributes to the development of plot, characters, mood, and theme. | The student is able to identify how the setting contributes to the development of two aspects of the novel: plot, characters, mood, or theme. | The student is able to identify how the setting contributes to the development of one aspect of the novel: plot, characters, mood, or theme. |
| Shifts in Setting | The student identifies how the setting shifts and the effect this change has on plot, character, mood and theme development. | The student is able to identify how the setting shifts, and the effect this shift has on two aspects of the development of the novel (plot, character, mood, or theme). | The student is able to identify how the setting shifts, and the effect this shift has on one aspect of the development of the novel (plot, character, mood, or theme). |
| Appearance | Final product contains accurate visual depictions of setting and characters. | Final product demonstrates an effort to accurately portray settings and characters though some aspects are confusing and/or inaccurate. | Final product contains irrelevant images. |
| Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation | Final product is free of spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors. | Final product contains up to three errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar that do not alter the meaning of the text. | Final product contains more than three errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar. |
How Tos about A Night Divided Setting
Plan a Classroom Discussion Connecting Setting to Character Decisions
Guide students to examine how the setting shapes the choices characters make in A Night Divided. This approach helps learners understand why place and time are crucial in historical fiction.
Select a pivotal scene that highlights the setting's impact
Choose a moment where the Berlin Wall or divided city directly affects a character's actions. Point out how the environment and historical period drive the plot.
Pose open-ended questions about character motivations
Ask students questions like, 'How might Gerta have acted differently in another time or place?' Encourage debate and critical thinking about the importance of setting.
Encourage students to use evidence from the text
Prompt learners to cite specific details from the story that link setting to decisions. Model how to reference scenes or quotes when explaining their ideas.
Wrap up with a creative reflection activity
Have students write a short paragraph or sketch showing how a different setting might change the story. This reinforces the role of setting in shaping events and character choices.
Frequently Asked Questions about A Night Divided Setting
What is the setting of A Night Divided?
The setting of A Night Divided is East Berlin, Germany in the early 1960s, during the construction and presence of the Berlin Wall. This historical backdrop shapes the characters' experiences and drives the story's events.
Why is the setting important in A Night Divided?
The setting is crucial in A Night Divided because the division of Berlin by the Wall directly impacts the characters and plot. It highlights themes of separation, freedom, and family, making the historical context essential to understanding the novel.
How can students map the different settings in A Night Divided?
Students can create a setting map by identifying key locations in the book, illustrating each one with scenes or symbols, and writing descriptions explaining their significance in the story and relation to historical events.
What historical events influence the story in A Night Divided?
A Night Divided is influenced by the construction of the Berlin Wall and life in divided Germany during the Cold War. These events create tension and shape the characters' struggles throughout the novel.
What is the best way to teach setting using A Night Divided?
The best way is to have students identify, illustrate, and describe the book's settings, discuss how the location and time affect the plot, and connect these elements to real historical events, enhancing both literary and historical understanding.
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