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 or when there are multiple places as is the case in the book Amal Unbound. Amal lives in Pakistan and is raised in a small village but later goes to live on a massive estate when she is forced into indentured servitude. In this activity, students will illustrate and describe the where and when of the novel and explain its importance.
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 Amal Unbound.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the settings in Amal Unbound.
- 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 or when there are multiple places as is the case in the book Amal Unbound. Amal lives in Pakistan and is raised in a small village but later goes to live on a massive estate when she is forced into indentured servitude. In this activity, students will illustrate and describe the where and when of the novel and explain its importance.
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 Amal Unbound.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the settings in Amal Unbound.
- 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 Settings in Amal Unbound
How to help students connect settings to character emotions
Encourage students to reflect on how each setting affects Amal’s feelings and choices. Discussion prompts and journaling activities can deepen empathy and comprehension by linking place to emotion.
Guide students to identify mood changes in different settings
Prompt students to notice how the atmosphere shifts as Amal moves between locations. Use descriptive words and sensory details to help students visualize and compare each place’s mood.
Foster group discussions about setting significance
Organize small group conversations where students share why they think each setting is important to the story. Collaborative dialogue can reveal diverse perspectives and deepen understanding.
Incorporate visual aids for setting exploration
Integrate maps, photos, or drawings of rural Pakistani villages and estates to make settings more concrete. Visual supports help students build background knowledge and context.
Have students create a setting diary from Amal’s perspective
Assign students to write brief diary entries describing each new setting as if they were Amal. This imaginative exercise builds empathy and strengthens connections between setting and narrative voice.
Frequently Asked Questions about Settings in Amal Unbound
What are the main settings in Amal Unbound?
Amal Unbound is primarily set in a small Pakistani village and a wealthy estate where Amal is sent as an indentured servant. These contrasting settings highlight the differences in social class and the challenges Amal faces throughout the novel.
How does the setting impact the story in Amal Unbound?
The setting shapes Amal's experiences and decisions, illustrating the realities of rural life in Pakistan and the stark inequalities between the village and the estate. This contrast emphasizes the novel's themes of courage, hope, and social justice.
Why is setting important in teaching Amal Unbound to middle school students?
Understanding the setting helps students connect with the characters and context, deepening empathy and cultural awareness. It also provides a framework for discussing important issues such as family, education, and social structures.
What is a setting map activity for Amal Unbound?
A setting map activity asks students to illustrate and describe key locations in Amal Unbound. This visual approach helps students analyze how each setting influences the story and character development.
How can teachers help students identify settings in Amal Unbound?
Teachers can guide students to find descriptive passages, use storyboard tools to visualize scenes, and discuss how each place affects Amal's journey. Encouraging students to cite evidence supports critical thinking and comprehension.
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Amal Unbound
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