Activity Overview
Having students choose a favorite quote or dialogue from the book allows them to express which parts of the story resonated with them on a personal level. In this way, students are making a text-to-self connection that demonstrates their understanding of the characters and their development or the themes of the novel. Students can share their storyboards afterwards and have a short discussion about what the quote or dialogue means to them and why they chose it.
Some students may end up choosing the same quote or dialogue, but have different perspectives. This is always interesting for students to see and can open up a discussion as to how not everyone can read the same lines in the same way based on their own perspectives and personal experiences.
Examples of Quotes or Dialogues from A Single Shard
”Work gives a man dignity, stealing takes it away.”
“Why was it that pride and foolishness were so often close companions?”
”Realizing a dream can be very hard, though. Sometimes, a dream can seem so far away, it almost disappears. But maybe if Tree-ear takes it one hill, one valley, one day at a time, just maybe, he'll be able to make his dream come true.”
“If a man is keeping an idea to himself, and that idea is taken by stealth or trickery-I say it is stealing. But once a man has revealed his idea to others, it is no longer his alone. It belongs to the world.”
“Fire and falling water. Always the same, yet always changing.”
“How much slower the work went when the joy of it was gone.”
“We are afraid of the things we do not know—just because we do not know them.”
“Of all the problems you may meet on your journey, it will be people who are the greatest danger. But it will also be people to whom you must turn if ever you are in need of aid.”
“My friend, the same wind that blows one door shut often blows another open.”
“There were some things that could not be molded into words.”
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 that identifies your favorite quote or dialogue in A Single Shard. Illustrate your quote and write what it means to you.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a favorite quote or dialogue from A Single Shard.
- Create an image that represents this quote or dialogue using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
- In the description box, write the quote or dialogue and at least one sentence about what it means to you.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The explanation of what the quote means to the student is clear and at least two sentences. | The explanation of what the quote means to the student can be understood but it is somewhat unclear. | The explanation of what the quote means to the student is unclear and is not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustration represents the quote or explanation using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustration relates to the quote or explanation, but is difficult to understand. | The illustration does not clearly relate to the quote or the explanation. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
Having students choose a favorite quote or dialogue from the book allows them to express which parts of the story resonated with them on a personal level. In this way, students are making a text-to-self connection that demonstrates their understanding of the characters and their development or the themes of the novel. Students can share their storyboards afterwards and have a short discussion about what the quote or dialogue means to them and why they chose it.
Some students may end up choosing the same quote or dialogue, but have different perspectives. This is always interesting for students to see and can open up a discussion as to how not everyone can read the same lines in the same way based on their own perspectives and personal experiences.
Examples of Quotes or Dialogues from A Single Shard
”Work gives a man dignity, stealing takes it away.”
“Why was it that pride and foolishness were so often close companions?”
”Realizing a dream can be very hard, though. Sometimes, a dream can seem so far away, it almost disappears. But maybe if Tree-ear takes it one hill, one valley, one day at a time, just maybe, he'll be able to make his dream come true.”
“If a man is keeping an idea to himself, and that idea is taken by stealth or trickery-I say it is stealing. But once a man has revealed his idea to others, it is no longer his alone. It belongs to the world.”
“Fire and falling water. Always the same, yet always changing.”
“How much slower the work went when the joy of it was gone.”
“We are afraid of the things we do not know—just because we do not know them.”
“Of all the problems you may meet on your journey, it will be people who are the greatest danger. But it will also be people to whom you must turn if ever you are in need of aid.”
“My friend, the same wind that blows one door shut often blows another open.”
“There were some things that could not be molded into words.”
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 that identifies your favorite quote or dialogue in A Single Shard. Illustrate your quote and write what it means to you.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a favorite quote or dialogue from A Single Shard.
- Create an image that represents this quote or dialogue using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
- In the description box, write the quote or dialogue and at least one sentence about what it means to you.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The explanation of what the quote means to the student is clear and at least two sentences. | The explanation of what the quote means to the student can be understood but it is somewhat unclear. | The explanation of what the quote means to the student is unclear and is not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustration represents the quote or explanation using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustration relates to the quote or explanation, but is difficult to understand. | The illustration does not clearly relate to the quote or the explanation. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Favorite Quote from A Single Shard
How to Facilitate a Deeper Class Discussion About Favorite Quotes
Encourage students to share their chosen quotes in small groups before a whole-class discussion. Invite them to explain why the quote stood out, and ask follow-up questions that prompt students to consider different perspectives. This helps students think critically and appreciate the diverse interpretations within their classroom community.
Guide students to connect quotes to real-life experiences
Prompt students to relate the meaning of their selected quote to something from their own lives or the world around them. Use sentence starters like, “This reminds me of…” or “I once felt…” to help them make authentic connections and deepen comprehension.
Model respectful listening and build empathy
Demonstrate active listening by summarizing what a student shares and encouraging others to respond thoughtfully. Highlight similarities and differences in interpretations, fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is valued and students learn from each other.
Incorporate visual aids to support understanding
Encourage students to use drawings, images, or digital tools to visually represent their chosen quote. Visual elements can help students better express their ideas and make abstract concepts more concrete for their peers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Favorite Quote from A Single Shard
What is a good quote from A Single Shard for a classroom activity?
"Work gives a man dignity, stealing takes it away." is a powerful quote from A Single Shard that highlights the importance of honesty and hard work—making it an excellent choice for classroom discussions about character and values.
How can I help students connect personally with quotes from A Single Shard?
Encourage students to choose a favorite quote or dialogue from A Single Shard and explain what it means to them. This text-to-self connection helps deepen understanding of the story and fosters personal reflection.
What is the best way to create a storyboard activity for A Single Shard quotes?
Have students select a meaningful quote, illustrate it with scenes or characters from the book, and write a brief explanation of its significance. This approach encourages creativity and comprehension.
Why is discussing different perspectives on the same quote valuable in class?
Discussing various interpretations shows students that personal experiences shape understanding. It opens up rich dialogue and helps students appreciate diverse viewpoints.
What are some examples of meaningful dialogues from A Single Shard?
Examples include: "Why was it that pride and foolishness were so often close companions?" and "My friend, the same wind that blows one door shut often blows another open." These highlight key themes in the novel.
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A Single Shard
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