Activity Overview
The setting in a story includes where and when the story takes place, and there are usually several settings in a novel. Students should be able to understand when a story takes place and where it takes place, as well as discuss how those are important to the novel. For this activity, students will create a storyboard that highlights the where and when of Lily's Crossing. In historical fiction novels, when the story takes place is extremely important, as it is centered around an important time in the past. This novel takes place during a time of war, which impacts the characters in a variety of different ways.
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 Lily’s Crossing. You must incorporate where and when in your storyboard.
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, and there are usually several settings in a novel. Students should be able to understand when a story takes place and where it takes place, as well as discuss how those are important to the novel. For this activity, students will create a storyboard that highlights the where and when of Lily's Crossing. In historical fiction novels, when the story takes place is extremely important, as it is centered around an important time in the past. This novel takes place during a time of war, which impacts the characters in a variety of different ways.
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 Lily’s Crossing. You must incorporate where and when in your storyboard.
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 Lily\'s Crossing
Plan a class discussion to connect setting with character emotions
Gather students and talk about how the time and place in Lily’s Crossing affect how characters feel, act, and make choices. This helps students see the impact of setting on character development in an engaging way.
Ask students to identify feelings characters might have in different settings
Guide students to think about how Lily or other characters might feel in each setting—such as anxious during the war or happy at the beach. Linking emotions to settings makes the story more relatable and memorable.
Encourage drawing or acting out scenes to explore mood
Invite students to sketch or act out a scene, focusing on how the setting affects the mood. Expressing feelings through art or drama deepens understanding and engagement.
Use anchor charts to track how settings influence events
Create a classroom chart listing key settings and how they shape what happens in the story. This visual tool helps students make connections and refer back during discussion or writing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Setting in Lily\'s Crossing
What is the setting of Lily's Crossing?
The setting of Lily's Crossing is primarily during World War II in the 1940s, taking place in a small town in New York as well as at the seaside. Both the time period and locations are crucial to the novel's plot and character development.
How do you teach setting using Lily's Crossing?
To teach setting with Lily's Crossing, have students identify where and when key events happen, create a storyboard mapping these scenes, and discuss how the historical context impacts the characters.
Why is the time period important in Lily's Crossing?
The time period of World War II shapes the story's conflicts and characters. It affects the characters’ emotions, decisions, and relationships, making historical context essential for understanding the novel.
What are some creative activities for teaching setting in historical fiction?
Creative activities include making storyboards, setting maps, or dioramas; comparing settings across different novels; and writing journal entries from a character’s perspective about their environment and time.
What should students include in a Lily's Crossing setting storyboard?
Students should include where (the locations) and when (the time period) in their storyboard, with illustrations and short summaries explaining how each setting influences the story.
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