Activity Overview
The setting in a story includes where and when the story takes place. There are usually several settings in a novel. In historical fiction novels such as Calico Girl, when the story takes place is extremely important, as it is centered around an important time in the past. This story takes place in the 1860s, when some states had seceded, or withdrawn from the Union, meaning slavery was still allowed. Callie and her family live in Virginia. Part of the story takes place on Belle Hill Farm, owned by Henry Warren, and the other part takes place at Fort Monroe, where the family goes to escape and be protected by the Union Army. For this activity, students will describe and illustrate the both of the settings where the story takes place. They may also choose to compare and contrast the two locations and how they influenced the characters.
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 describes and illustrates the setting of Calico Girl. You must incorporate where and when in your storyboards
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write a setting in each heading.
- Create an illustration that represents each heading using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short summary of each heading/belief in the space below the illustration.
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 in a story includes where and when the story takes place. There are usually several settings in a novel. In historical fiction novels such as Calico Girl, when the story takes place is extremely important, as it is centered around an important time in the past. This story takes place in the 1860s, when some states had seceded, or withdrawn from the Union, meaning slavery was still allowed. Callie and her family live in Virginia. Part of the story takes place on Belle Hill Farm, owned by Henry Warren, and the other part takes place at Fort Monroe, where the family goes to escape and be protected by the Union Army. For this activity, students will describe and illustrate the both of the settings where the story takes place. They may also choose to compare and contrast the two locations and how they influenced the characters.
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 describes and illustrates the setting of Calico Girl. You must incorporate where and when in your storyboards
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write a setting in each heading.
- Create an illustration that represents each heading using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short summary of each heading/belief in the space below the illustration.
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 Calico Girl
Plan a Class Discussion on How Setting Shapes Character Choices
Engage students in a discussion about how the story’s setting impacts what characters can and cannot do. Encouraging students to connect the historical context to the characters’ actions builds critical thinking.
Brainstorm Setting Influences as a Group
Ask students to list specific ways the setting (time and place) affects Callie’s decisions. Working together helps students see how environment shapes story events.
Create Anchor Charts Comparing Settings
Divide the class into small groups and have each group make an anchor chart showing differences between Belle Hill Farm and Fort Monroe. Visuals help make abstract differences concrete for younger learners.
Connect Setting to Students’ Own Lives
Invite students to share how their own settings (home, school, neighborhood) influence their choices. This personal connection deepens understanding and makes historical fiction more relatable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Setting in Calico Girl
What is the setting of Calico Girl?
The setting of Calico Girl is Virginia during the 1860s, focusing on Belle Hill Farm and Fort Monroe. The story takes place during the Civil War, when slavery was still legal in some states.
How do the two main settings in Calico Girl influence the characters?
Belle Hill Farm represents danger and oppression for Callie and her family, while Fort Monroe offers hope and protection under the Union Army. These contrasting settings shape the family's choices and experiences.
What is a setting map activity for Calico Girl?
A setting map activity asks students to describe and illustrate both main locations in Calico Girl, showing where and when the story happens and how each place affects the story's events and characters.
What are some tips for teaching setting with Calico Girl to grades 4–6?
Use storyboards to help students visualize Belle Hill Farm and Fort Monroe. Encourage comparison of the two settings and discuss how each impacts the characters. Let students illustrate and summarize each location for deeper understanding.
How can students compare and contrast the settings in Calico Girl?
Students can create a Venn diagram or storyboard to compare Belle Hill Farm and Fort Monroe, noting differences in safety, freedom, and daily life, and analyzing how each setting influences the family's journey.
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