Activity Overview
The setting of a story doesn't just serve as a backdrop, it can also impact the characters who live there. Jacqueline moved many times throughout her childhood, shaping who she became as an adult. She has lived in Ohio, South Carolina, and Brooklyn, New York. These three locations are all very different, yet she has felt that each is home to her. For this activity, students will describe and illustrate each location and what Jackie’s life was like when she lived there. They should use evidence from the text to support their answers.
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 spider map that describes and illustrates the three specific settings of Brown Girl Dreaming.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write Ohio, South Carolina, and Brooklyn in each heading.
- Create an illustration that represents each heading using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short summary of each heading in the space below the illustration.
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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 doesn't just serve as a backdrop, it can also impact the characters who live there. Jacqueline moved many times throughout her childhood, shaping who she became as an adult. She has lived in Ohio, South Carolina, and Brooklyn, New York. These three locations are all very different, yet she has felt that each is home to her. For this activity, students will describe and illustrate each location and what Jackie’s life was like when she lived there. They should use evidence from the text to support their answers.
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 spider map that describes and illustrates the three specific settings of Brown Girl Dreaming.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write Ohio, South Carolina, and Brooklyn in each heading.
- Create an illustration that represents each heading using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short summary of each heading in the space below the illustration.
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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 Setting in Brown Girl Dreaming
How to Facilitate a Classroom Discussion on Setting’s Impact in 'Brown Girl Dreaming'
Lead a focused discussion on how each setting influences Jacqueline's experiences and growth. Encourage students to share how moving between Ohio, South Carolina, and Brooklyn shaped Jackie’s identity and feelings of home. Use open-ended questions to spark thoughtful responses and personal connections.
Prepare insightful discussion prompts about each setting
Create 2–3 open-ended questions for each location (Ohio, South Carolina, Brooklyn). Examples: "How does Jackie feel in Ohio compared to Brooklyn?" or "What challenges does she face in each place?" Well-crafted prompts guide students to use text evidence and think deeply.
Organize students into small, diverse groups
Group students so each includes a mix of perspectives and strengths. This encourages quieter students to participate and lets everyone learn from each other’s interpretations.
Model using text evidence to support ideas
Demonstrate citing specific examples from 'Brown Girl Dreaming' during the discussion. Show how to reference passages or describe scenes that reveal the mood, challenges, or growth Jackie experiences in each setting.
Facilitate sharing and reflection with the whole class
Invite groups to share their insights and discuss common themes or surprising differences. Wrap up by reflecting on how setting shapes not just characters in stories, but also ourselves.
Frequently Asked Questions about Setting in Brown Girl Dreaming
What are the main settings in Brown Girl Dreaming?
Brown Girl Dreaming is set in three main locations: Ohio, South Carolina, and Brooklyn, New York. Each setting plays a unique role in shaping Jacqueline Woodson’s childhood experiences as described in the memoir.
How does the setting affect Jacqueline in Brown Girl Dreaming?
The different settings in Brown Girl Dreaming—Ohio, South Carolina, and Brooklyn—influence Jacqueline’s identity, culture, and sense of belonging. Each place offers new experiences and challenges that help shape who she becomes.
How can students map the settings in Brown Girl Dreaming for a class activity?
Students can create a spider map with headings for Ohio, South Carolina, and Brooklyn. Under each, they should include an illustration and a short summary of Jacqueline’s life in that setting, using evidence from the text.
What evidence from the text supports the importance of place in Brown Girl Dreaming?
Textual evidence includes descriptions of family, traditions, and community that differ in each location. Students should use quotes or passages that show how each setting influenced Jacqueline’s experiences and feelings of home.
Why is setting important in teaching Brown Girl Dreaming to grades 4-6?
Setting helps students understand how environment impacts characters’ lives. Exploring the three settings in Brown Girl Dreaming encourages empathy, cultural awareness, and deeper text analysis for middle grade readers.
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