Activity Overview
Throughout the novel, Zoe faces a number of challenges at her young age. She struggles with her friendship with Trevor, she has a hard time achieving her goal of getting on the baking TV show, and she lies and hides the fact that she's corresponding with her birth father who’s in jail. Perhaps her biggest challenge of all is proving her father’s innocence. For this activity, students will identify and illustrate at least three challenges Zoe faces throughout the course of the novel. They should use evidence from the text to describe how Zoe overcomes these challenges.
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 identifies challenges that Zoe faces in From the Desk of Zoe Washington. Illustrate instances of each challenge and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the challenges you wish to include and write them in the headings.
- Create an image for an example that represents this challenge using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of each of the examples.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The challenge descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The challenge descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The challenge descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the challenges using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the challenges, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the challenges. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
Throughout the novel, Zoe faces a number of challenges at her young age. She struggles with her friendship with Trevor, she has a hard time achieving her goal of getting on the baking TV show, and she lies and hides the fact that she's corresponding with her birth father who’s in jail. Perhaps her biggest challenge of all is proving her father’s innocence. For this activity, students will identify and illustrate at least three challenges Zoe faces throughout the course of the novel. They should use evidence from the text to describe how Zoe overcomes these challenges.
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 identifies challenges that Zoe faces in From the Desk of Zoe Washington. Illustrate instances of each challenge and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the challenges you wish to include and write them in the headings.
- Create an image for an example that represents this challenge using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of each of the examples.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The challenge descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The challenge descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The challenge descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the challenges using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the challenges, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the challenges. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about Challenges in From the Desk of Zoe Washington
How to Facilitate a Thoughtful Class Discussion on Character Challenges
Lead your students in a guided conversation about Zoe's challenges by preparing open-ended questions that prompt critical thinking and empathy. Encourage each student to share their ideas and back them up with evidence from the text.
Set clear expectations for respectful dialogue
Explain the importance of listening actively and valuing different perspectives. Remind students to use kind language and to avoid interrupting others during the discussion.
Prepare open-ended questions in advance
Develop questions that invite interpretation and exploration of characters' feelings, such as "What do you think Zoe was feeling when she faced this challenge?"
Use text evidence to support responses
Ask students to find and share quotes or passages from the novel that illustrate Zoe's challenges. This helps them practice citing evidence and strengthens their understanding.
Encourage connections to students' own experiences
Invite students to relate Zoe's challenges to situations they've faced. This builds empathy and deepens engagement with the story.
Frequently Asked Questions about Challenges in From the Desk of Zoe Washington
What are the main challenges Zoe faces in 'From the Desk of Zoe Washington'?
Zoe Washington faces several major challenges, including struggling with her friendship with Trevor, trying to get on a baking TV show, keeping her secret correspondence with her birth father, and working to prove her father’s innocence. Each obstacle pushes her to grow and demonstrate resilience.
How can students create a spider map for 'From the Desk of Zoe Washington'?
To make a spider map, students should identify at least three challenges Zoe faces in the novel, illustrate each with a related image or scene, and write a short description below each one. This helps organize ideas visually and deepen understanding of Zoe’s character.
What is an example of a challenge Zoe overcomes in the book?
One example is when Zoe works to prove her father’s innocence. She gathers evidence and seeks help, showing determination and courage despite obstacles and doubts from those around her.
Why is the activity focused on identifying Zoe's challenges important for students?
Identifying Zoe's challenges encourages students to analyze character growth, practice evidence-based thinking, and connect emotionally with the story. It also builds critical reading and comprehension skills.
What grade level is the 'From the Desk of Zoe Washington' spider map activity best for?
The spider map activity is designed for grades 4–6, making it suitable for upper elementary and early middle school students learning about character analysis.
More Storyboard That Activities
From the Desk of Zoe Washington
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