Activity Overview
Having students choose a favorite quote or scene 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 quotes mean to them.
Some students may end up choosing the same quote, 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 from Amina's Voice
“When it was time for the performance, I looked out into the audience, saw the sea of faces, and froze. There was this endless moment when the world grew still and waited for me to speak. But I couldn’t open my mouth. My teacher, Mr. Silver, finally jumped in and said my line for me, with a joke about how John Hancock had lost his voice but was going to sign his name extra big to make up for it. The audience laughed and the show went on while I burned with humiliation. I can still hear Luke and his friend jeering at me from the side of the stage.”
“I wait for Soojin to answer, expecting her to say something to send Emily scurrying. Even though the cat gets my tongue when either Emily or Julie come prowling, Soojin never has any problem telling them exactly what she thinks. But Soojin just says, ‘I’m thinking of new names for myself.’”
"The mere thought of singing in front of a crowd twists my stomach into knots."
"The toothpaste suddenly tastes bitter. I spit it out and wait to hear what Baba will say. Surely he’ll say the things he’s always told me, like how music makes him feel closer to God and that my talent is a gift from Allah. But all Baba says is, “Yes, Bhai Jaan,” and then he stays quiet. I am numb. Is Thaya Jaan right? Am I doing something wrong?”
"We've always been the only kids in elementary school with names that everyone stumbled over ... Mama once told me that she picked my name thinking it would be easiest of all the ones on her list for people in America to pronounce. But she was wrong ... Soojin is the only one at school who gets it ... something about Soojin wanting to drop her name makes me worry that I might be next."
"God does not hate music. I don't believe that, or that it's wrong for you to play or to sing. Why would he give you so much talent then?"
"Emily's life always seemed perfect to me, but now I wonder if maybe it isn't."
"Finally as I hit the last note, I remember that I'm not alone and turn around. Baby Sumaiya squeals and bangs her toy on the coffee table, drooling with a big toothless grin. But everyone else has tears in their eyes - even Thaya Jaan."
"It's been a long time, a long time coming ... " I begin to recognize the faces in the audience. I find Mama, Baba, Mustafa, and Thaya Jaan, all smiling, and Rabiya, whistling like crazy. And then, suddenly filled with happiness, I belt out the words I know are true with all my might: "But I know a change gonna come. Oh yes it will." And I'm ready for it."
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 scene in Amina's Voice. Illustrate your quote and write what it means to you.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a favorite quote or scene from Amina's Voice.
- Create an image that represents this quote using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
- In the description box, write the quote and at least one sentence about what this quote means to you.
Requirements: Quote or Scene, Illustration, 1-2 sentences 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 scene 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 quotes mean to them.
Some students may end up choosing the same quote, 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 from Amina's Voice
“When it was time for the performance, I looked out into the audience, saw the sea of faces, and froze. There was this endless moment when the world grew still and waited for me to speak. But I couldn’t open my mouth. My teacher, Mr. Silver, finally jumped in and said my line for me, with a joke about how John Hancock had lost his voice but was going to sign his name extra big to make up for it. The audience laughed and the show went on while I burned with humiliation. I can still hear Luke and his friend jeering at me from the side of the stage.”
“I wait for Soojin to answer, expecting her to say something to send Emily scurrying. Even though the cat gets my tongue when either Emily or Julie come prowling, Soojin never has any problem telling them exactly what she thinks. But Soojin just says, ‘I’m thinking of new names for myself.’”
"The mere thought of singing in front of a crowd twists my stomach into knots."
"The toothpaste suddenly tastes bitter. I spit it out and wait to hear what Baba will say. Surely he’ll say the things he’s always told me, like how music makes him feel closer to God and that my talent is a gift from Allah. But all Baba says is, “Yes, Bhai Jaan,” and then he stays quiet. I am numb. Is Thaya Jaan right? Am I doing something wrong?”
"We've always been the only kids in elementary school with names that everyone stumbled over ... Mama once told me that she picked my name thinking it would be easiest of all the ones on her list for people in America to pronounce. But she was wrong ... Soojin is the only one at school who gets it ... something about Soojin wanting to drop her name makes me worry that I might be next."
"God does not hate music. I don't believe that, or that it's wrong for you to play or to sing. Why would he give you so much talent then?"
"Emily's life always seemed perfect to me, but now I wonder if maybe it isn't."
"Finally as I hit the last note, I remember that I'm not alone and turn around. Baby Sumaiya squeals and bangs her toy on the coffee table, drooling with a big toothless grin. But everyone else has tears in their eyes - even Thaya Jaan."
"It's been a long time, a long time coming ... " I begin to recognize the faces in the audience. I find Mama, Baba, Mustafa, and Thaya Jaan, all smiling, and Rabiya, whistling like crazy. And then, suddenly filled with happiness, I belt out the words I know are true with all my might: "But I know a change gonna come. Oh yes it will." And I'm ready for it."
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 scene in Amina's Voice. Illustrate your quote and write what it means to you.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a favorite quote or scene from Amina's Voice.
- Create an image that represents this quote using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
- In the description box, write the quote and at least one sentence about what this quote means to you.
Requirements: Quote or Scene, Illustration, 1-2 sentences 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 Amina\'s Voice
How to facilitate a class discussion on students’ chosen quotes from Amina’s Voice
Encourage every student to share their selected quote and personal connection with the class. Model active listening by summarizing or reflecting on each student's choice. Invite classmates to respectfully comment or ask questions, fostering open dialogue and appreciation of diverse perspectives.
Prepare students to explain why they chose their quote
Ask students to jot down specific reasons for their quote selection before sharing. Prompt them with questions like, “How did this quote make you feel?” or “What does this moment reveal about Amina or another character?”
Create a safe and supportive sharing environment
Set clear expectations about respectful listening and encourage students to use positive language when responding to others. Remind the class that everyone’s interpretation is valid and valuable.
Use follow-up questions to deepen understanding
Ask open-ended questions like, “Has anyone ever felt the same way as Amina in this scene?” or “Can you think of another book where a character faced something similar?” Help students draw connections to their own lives and other texts.
Summarize key themes that emerge from the discussion
After all students have shared, highlight common ideas or feelings that surfaced. Point out how different quotes related to identity, courage, or belonging, helping students see the novel’s broader messages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Favorite Quote from Amina\'s Voice
What are some meaningful quotes from Amina's Voice for middle school students?
Amina's Voice features many powerful quotes that resonate with middle schoolers, such as "The mere thought of singing in front of a crowd twists my stomach into knots" and "God does not hate music. I don't believe that, or that it's wrong for you to play or to sing." These lines explore themes of identity, courage, and family.
How can students create a storyboard based on their favorite quote from Amina's Voice?
To create a storyboard, students should choose a meaningful quote or scene from Amina's Voice, illustrate it using scenes or characters, and write 1–2 sentences explaining what the quote means to them. This helps deepen text-to-self connections and understanding of the story.
Why is it valuable for students to connect personally with quotes from Amina's Voice?
Personal connections with quotes help students relate to the characters and themes, fostering empathy, self-reflection, and a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives. Discussing different interpretations can spark meaningful classroom conversations.
What is the main purpose of the 'favorite quote' activity for Amina's Voice?
The activity encourages students to identify with the text by selecting a quote or scene that resonates with them, illustrating it, and sharing their interpretation. This develops critical thinking and personal engagement with literature.
What themes from Amina's Voice can students discuss using quotes?
Using quotes, students can discuss themes like identity, belonging, overcoming fear, family expectations, and the importance of self-expression. These topics are relevant for middle schoolers navigating similar experiences.
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