Activity Overview
Using a multi-cell storyboard, ask students to show their knowledge of a time period by depicting what the people, settings, homes, and technology looked like. These categories are important to understand because literature is affected by the popular ideology, technology, advancements, people, and physical setting of its time. Depicting the characteristics of each period will also help students make real world connections. Making connections is a very important skill to acquire and practice.
Using this activity, students will make text-to-text and text-to-world connections. They will also be able to discuss commonalities between texts from a time period. By understanding the motivations of the people in the period, students studying American literature will retain and comprehend each era.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Students will show their knowledge of a time period by depicting what the people, settings, homes, and technology looked like.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write Setting, Homes, People, and Technology/Advancements in each top title box.
- Write the time period in the left column.
- Summarize each title in the description boxes.
- Add illustrations using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Using a multi-cell storyboard, ask students to show their knowledge of a time period by depicting what the people, settings, homes, and technology looked like. These categories are important to understand because literature is affected by the popular ideology, technology, advancements, people, and physical setting of its time. Depicting the characteristics of each period will also help students make real world connections. Making connections is a very important skill to acquire and practice.
Using this activity, students will make text-to-text and text-to-world connections. They will also be able to discuss commonalities between texts from a time period. By understanding the motivations of the people in the period, students studying American literature will retain and comprehend each era.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Students will show their knowledge of a time period by depicting what the people, settings, homes, and technology looked like.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write Setting, Homes, People, and Technology/Advancements in each top title box.
- Write the time period in the left column.
- Summarize each title in the description boxes.
- Add illustrations using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Depict the Time: Characteristics of the Periods
Integrate primary sources to enrich period storyboards
Use authentic documents, images, or artifacts from the historical period to help students create more realistic and informed storyboards. Incorporating primary sources lets students engage directly with materials from the era and deepens their understanding of people, settings, and technology.
Model finding teacher-approved primary sources online
Demonstrate how to locate reliable online archives, museum collections, or digital libraries for your students. Show them how to select age-appropriate visuals or text excerpts that accurately represent the time period, making the research process more accessible and trustworthy.
Assign roles for collaborative research
Divide students into small groups and assign each a focus area—such as technology, daily life, or fashion. This approach encourages teamwork and ensures each aspect of the period is thoroughly researched and represented in their storyboard.
Guide students to cite and present their sources
Teach students to list or display their sources on their storyboard or a separate slide. Explaining where their information comes from builds research skills and helps them understand the importance of credibility in historical study.
Facilitate a class discussion on how primary sources shaped their work
Lead a reflective conversation where students share how using real artifacts or documents changed their understanding of the time period. This step reinforces critical thinking and helps connect classroom activities to authentic historical inquiry.
Frequently Asked Questions about Depict the Time: Characteristics of the Periods
How can students use a storyboard to understand different historical periods in literature?
Students can create a multi-cell storyboard to visually represent key aspects of a historical period, such as people, settings, homes, and technology. This helps deepen comprehension by connecting literature to its real-world context and makes it easier to identify common themes across texts from the same era.
What categories should be included in a time period storyboard activity?
The main categories to include are Setting, Homes, People, and Technology/Advancements. These aspects help students explore how literature reflects the beliefs, innovations, and environments of its time.
Why is making text-to-world connections important when studying literature periods?
Text-to-world connections allow students to relate literary works to real historical contexts, enhancing understanding and retention. This skill helps students see the relevance of literature and fosters critical thinking about how eras shape stories and ideas.
What are the steps for students to complete the 'Depict the Time' storyboard activity?
Students should: 1) Click "Start Assignment"; 2) Label each cell with Setting, Homes, People, and Technology/Advancements; 3) Note the time period on the side; 4) Summarize each category; 5) Add relevant illustrations; and 6) Save and exit when finished.
How does depicting period characteristics help students compare different literary movements?
By illustrating and summarizing people, settings, homes, and technology for each period, students can easily spot similarities and differences between literary movements. This visual comparison supports deeper analysis and understanding of how history influences literature.
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