Activity Overview
The setting of a story is the location and time, or the where and when. Settings often play a crucial role almost as if they are another character in the book, as is the case in the book Al Capone Does My Shirts where the island of Alcatraz and the time period of the Great Depression all have tremendous impact on the characters. In this activity, students will map the different settings in the book in a storyboard and include illustrations and descriptions.
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 Al Capone Does My Shirts.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the settings in Al Capone Does My Shirts.
- 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 almost as if they are another character in the book, as is the case in the book Al Capone Does My Shirts where the island of Alcatraz and the time period of the Great Depression all have tremendous impact on the characters. In this activity, students will map the different settings in the book in a storyboard and include illustrations and descriptions.
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 Al Capone Does My Shirts.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the settings in Al Capone Does My Shirts.
- 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 Identifying Settings in Al Capone Does My Shirts
Organize a classroom discussion about how setting influences characters’ choices
Guide students to explore how the setting shapes the events and decisions in the story. Prompt discussion with specific questions, such as, “How might the characters act differently if they lived somewhere else or in a different time?” This encourages critical thinking and deeper understanding.
Prepare discussion prompts that connect setting to students’ own lives
Invite students to relate the book’s setting to their own experiences. Ask: “How does where you live affect your daily life?” Drawing parallels can make the story more meaningful and help students empathize with the characters.
Assign small-group brainstorming to generate alternate settings for the story
Divide students into small groups and challenge them to imagine the story in a different location or era. Encourage creativity and ask them to discuss how these changes would impact the plot and characters’ actions.
Facilitate group sharing and compare findings as a class
Have each group present their alternate settings and the resulting changes to the story. Lead a whole-class discussion to compare ideas and highlight how setting is essential to the narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions about Identifying Settings in Al Capone Does My Shirts
What are the main settings in Al Capone Does My Shirts?
The main settings in Al Capone Does My Shirts are Alcatraz Island during the Great Depression. The story unfolds across locations like the prison, family apartments, and surrounding San Francisco, all of which shape the characters' experiences.
How do the settings impact the characters in Al Capone Does My Shirts?
The unique setting of Alcatraz Island during the 1930s impacts the characters by creating challenges and shaping their relationships. Living near a prison brings tension and curiosity, while the era's hardships influence their actions and growth.
How can students map the settings in Al Capone Does My Shirts?
Students can map the settings by creating a storyboard that illustrates key locations from the book. Each cell should include a scene, relevant items, and a brief description explaining the importance of that setting to the story.
Why is Alcatraz Island considered an important 'character' in the book?
Alcatraz Island is seen as an important 'character' because its isolated and strict environment deeply affects the story. The island’s rules, routines, and community shape the daily lives and decisions of the main characters.
What is a setting map activity for Al Capone Does My Shirts?
A setting map activity involves students identifying and illustrating the various locations in the novel. They use visuals and descriptions to show how each setting contributes to the plot and character development.
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Al Capone Does My Shirts
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