Activity Overview
The setting of Julie of the Wolves plays an essential part in the novel. Students studying this book may benefit from the use of storyboards in identifying the different aspects of setting and their effect on the plot and characters. Remind students that setting includes the location, the time period, and the weather of a story. Then, ask them to create a three-cell storyboard depicting these three components of setting in the novel. Beneath each depiction, students should describe the image and explain the way that aspect of the setting contributes to the plot or character development in the novel.
Julie of the Wolves Setting Exploration Example
Time Period
The story is set in the early 1970s. This time period creates a conflict for Miyax since the ancient customs of her people are now dying out due to modernization. Even her father, Kapugen changes his way of life to fit the times.
Geographical Location
The story is set in the Arctic tundra of Alaska. This location gives Miyax the opportunity to encounter many interesting animals, including gray wolves, caribou, grizzly bears, lemmings, and many types of birds.
Weather and Time of Year
Miyax stays out on the tundra for a year. During this time, the weather ranges from -25° to 40°F. The sun also goes from staying in the sky all night to disappearing for 66 days of darkness. The cold weather allows Miyax to survive in creative ways, such as using water-soaked grasses to make ice poles. The unusual sunlight makes it difficult for Miyax to measure time.
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
Create a storyboard that illustrates important settings in Julie of the Wolves.
- Use the template your teacher provided.
- Describe each of the three components of setting - Time Period, Location, and Weather.
- Describe each setting and how it influences the plot or character development.
- Illustrate each setting in the cell with scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 20 Points | Emerging 15 Points | Beginning 10 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Role of Setting | The student effectively identifies how the setting contributes to the development of plot, characters, mood, and theme. | The student is able to identify how the setting contributes to the development of two aspects of the novel: plot, characters, mood, or theme. | The student is able to identify how the setting contributes to the development of one aspect of the novel: plot, characters, mood, or theme. |
| Shifts in Setting | The student identifies how the setting shifts and the effect this change has on plot, character, mood and theme development. | The student is able to identify how the setting shifts, and the effect this shift has on two aspects of the development of the novel (plot, character, mood, or theme). | The student is able to identify how the setting shifts, and the effect this shift has on one aspect of the development of the novel (plot, character, mood, or theme). |
| 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 Julie of the Wolves plays an essential part in the novel. Students studying this book may benefit from the use of storyboards in identifying the different aspects of setting and their effect on the plot and characters. Remind students that setting includes the location, the time period, and the weather of a story. Then, ask them to create a three-cell storyboard depicting these three components of setting in the novel. Beneath each depiction, students should describe the image and explain the way that aspect of the setting contributes to the plot or character development in the novel.
Julie of the Wolves Setting Exploration Example
Time Period
The story is set in the early 1970s. This time period creates a conflict for Miyax since the ancient customs of her people are now dying out due to modernization. Even her father, Kapugen changes his way of life to fit the times.
Geographical Location
The story is set in the Arctic tundra of Alaska. This location gives Miyax the opportunity to encounter many interesting animals, including gray wolves, caribou, grizzly bears, lemmings, and many types of birds.
Weather and Time of Year
Miyax stays out on the tundra for a year. During this time, the weather ranges from -25° to 40°F. The sun also goes from staying in the sky all night to disappearing for 66 days of darkness. The cold weather allows Miyax to survive in creative ways, such as using water-soaked grasses to make ice poles. The unusual sunlight makes it difficult for Miyax to measure time.
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
Create a storyboard that illustrates important settings in Julie of the Wolves.
- Use the template your teacher provided.
- Describe each of the three components of setting - Time Period, Location, and Weather.
- Describe each setting and how it influences the plot or character development.
- Illustrate each setting in the cell with scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 20 Points | Emerging 15 Points | Beginning 10 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Role of Setting | The student effectively identifies how the setting contributes to the development of plot, characters, mood, and theme. | The student is able to identify how the setting contributes to the development of two aspects of the novel: plot, characters, mood, or theme. | The student is able to identify how the setting contributes to the development of one aspect of the novel: plot, characters, mood, or theme. |
| Shifts in Setting | The student identifies how the setting shifts and the effect this change has on plot, character, mood and theme development. | The student is able to identify how the setting shifts, and the effect this shift has on two aspects of the development of the novel (plot, character, mood, or theme). | The student is able to identify how the setting shifts, and the effect this shift has on one aspect of the development of the novel (plot, character, mood, or theme). |
| 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 Exploration Julie of the Wolves
Engage students with a sensory-rich setting walk
Bring the Arctic tundra to life by having students take a 'setting walk' around the classroom or school. Ask them to observe and record what they see, hear, smell, and feel, then compare these observations to descriptions from Julie of the Wolves. This activity helps students connect personally to the novel's setting and notice sensory details in the text.
Guide students to make setting inference charts
Create a two-column chart where students list textual clues about setting in one column and infer how each clue impacts plot or characters in the other. Model the process with one example before students work independently or in pairs. This scaffolds critical thinking and boosts comprehension of the setting's significance.
Prompt students to write a setting-based journal entry
Invite students to write a journal entry as Miyax, describing a day on the tundra, including sensory details and personal feelings about the environment. Encourage creativity and empathy by having them imagine the challenges and wonders Miyax experiences. This deepens engagement and understanding of the setting's influence.
Facilitate a setting comparison discussion
Lead a group discussion comparing the Arctic tundra setting of Julie of the Wolves with your local environment. Ask students to identify similarities and differences, focusing on weather, animals, and daily life. This helps students relate to the novel and strengthens analytical skills.
Frequently Asked Questions about Setting Exploration Julie of the Wolves
What is the setting of Julie of the Wolves?
The setting of Julie of the Wolves is the Arctic tundra of Alaska during the early 1970s. The story’s environment, time period, and extreme weather all shape the characters and plot.
How does the setting affect the plot in Julie of the Wolves?
The setting influences the plot by creating unique challenges for Miyax, such as harsh weather and isolation, which force her to adapt and connect with the wolves for survival, driving her personal growth and the story’s events.
What are the three main components of setting in Julie of the Wolves?
The three main components of setting in Julie of the Wolves are time period (early 1970s), geographical location (Arctic tundra of Alaska), and weather (extreme cold and changing sunlight).
How can students create a storyboard to explore the setting of Julie of the Wolves?
Students can make a three-cell storyboard showing the time period, location, and weather. For each, they illustrate the scene and describe how that aspect of setting shapes the plot or characters.
Why is understanding setting important when reading Julie of the Wolves?
Understanding the setting helps readers see how Miyax’s environment shapes her choices and survival. It deepens comprehension of the cultural and natural challenges she faces throughout the novel.
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Julie of the Wolves
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