Activity Overview
Once is written in the first person, and told by a ten year old boy. The language and the way that Felix talks is childlike, innocent, and wildly creative. Children will enjoy discovering their favorite part of the story, and the way that it is told. For this activity, students will choose one part or quote, and create a storyboard that illustrates what it means to them.
Having students choose a favorite quote or scene from a book allows them to express which parts of the story resonated with them on a personal level. In this way, students are making a text-to-self connection that demonstrates their understanding of the characters and their development or the themes of the novel. Students can share their storyboards afterwards and have a short discussion about what the quotes mean to them.
Some students may end up choosing the same quote, but have different perspectives. This is always interesting for students to see and can open up a discussion as to how not everyone can read the same lines in the same way based on their own perspectives and personal experiences.
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 identifies your favorite quote or scene in Once. Illustrate your quote and write what it means to you.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a favorite quote or scene from Once.
- Create an image that represents this quote using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
- In the description box, write the quote and at least one sentence about what this quote means to you.
Requirements: Quote, illustration, 1-2 sentences about what it means to you.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The explanation of what the quote means to the student is clear and at least two sentences. | The explanation of what the quote means to the student can be understood but it is somewhat unclear. | The explanation of what the quote means to the student is unclear and is not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustration represents the quote or explanation using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustration relates to the quote or explanation, but is difficult to understand. | The illustration does not clearly relate to the quote or the explanation. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
Once is written in the first person, and told by a ten year old boy. The language and the way that Felix talks is childlike, innocent, and wildly creative. Children will enjoy discovering their favorite part of the story, and the way that it is told. For this activity, students will choose one part or quote, and create a storyboard that illustrates what it means to them.
Having students choose a favorite quote or scene from a book allows them to express which parts of the story resonated with them on a personal level. In this way, students are making a text-to-self connection that demonstrates their understanding of the characters and their development or the themes of the novel. Students can share their storyboards afterwards and have a short discussion about what the quotes mean to them.
Some students may end up choosing the same quote, but have different perspectives. This is always interesting for students to see and can open up a discussion as to how not everyone can read the same lines in the same way based on their own perspectives and personal experiences.
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 identifies your favorite quote or scene in Once. Illustrate your quote and write what it means to you.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a favorite quote or scene from Once.
- Create an image that represents this quote using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
- In the description box, write the quote and at least one sentence about what this quote means to you.
Requirements: Quote, illustration, 1-2 sentences about what it means to you.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The explanation of what the quote means to the student is clear and at least two sentences. | The explanation of what the quote means to the student can be understood but it is somewhat unclear. | The explanation of what the quote means to the student is unclear and is not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustration represents the quote or explanation using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustration relates to the quote or explanation, but is difficult to understand. | The illustration does not clearly relate to the quote or the explanation. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Once Quote Connection Activity
Introduce a Quote Journaling Routine for Deeper Engagement
Set up a weekly or bi-weekly quote journal for your class. This encourages ongoing reflection and helps students make personal connections throughout the book.
Model Choosing Meaningful Quotes
Share an example of a quote that resonates with you and explain your personal connection. Demonstrating your thought process guides students and builds their confidence.
Guide Students to Select Impactful Quotes
Prompt students to notice lines that make them feel, think, or wonder as they read. Encouraging reflection helps students pick quotes that truly matter to them.
Facilitate Sharing and Discussion
Organize brief sharing sessions where students read their chosen quote and journal entry aloud. This builds classroom community and exposes students to diverse perspectives.
Encourage Visual Representations
Invite students to add quick sketches or visual notes alongside their quote reflections. Visual elements support understanding and creativity, making the activity more engaging.
Frequently Asked Questions about Once Quote Connection Activity
What is the Once Quote Connection Activity for middle school students?
The Once Quote Connection Activity asks students to select a favorite quote or scene from the novel Once by Morris Gleitzman and create a storyboard illustrating its meaning. This activity encourages text-to-self connections and creative expression.
How do I guide students to choose meaningful quotes from Once?
Encourage students to select quotes or scenes that resonate personally or reflect important themes or character development. Prompt them to think about moments that made them feel, question, or reflect.
What skills do students develop by connecting quotes to personal experiences?
By linking quotes to their own lives, students strengthen comprehension, empathy, critical thinking, and the ability to interpret literature through multiple perspectives.
What are the steps for completing the Once Quote Connection storyboard assignment?
Students should: 1) Click 'Start Assignment', 2) Choose a favorite quote or scene, 3) Create an image representing the quote, and 4) Write 1–2 sentences explaining what the quote means to them.
Why is it valuable for students to discuss their chosen quotes and interpretations?
Sharing and discussing chosen quotes allows students to see different perspectives, understand personal connections, and appreciate how varied interpretations enrich the reading experience.
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Once
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