Activity Overview
Having students choose a favorite quote or scene from the 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.
Examples of Quotes from One Crazy Summer
"A large white woman came and stood before us, clapping her hands like we were on display at the Bronx Zoo."
"Vonetta had gone over Miss Patty Cake with the black Magic Marker, leaving pink lips and pink rouge circles peeking out on a once-white face."
"The Mike Douglas Show wasn't the only place to find [Black] people on television. Each week, Jet magazine pointed out all the shows with [Black] people. My sisters and I became expert [counters]. We had it down to a science."
"It hadn't occurred to me that Cecile didn't own a hot comb or curling iron, even though that fact was as big and thick as her unpressed braids. She'd said, "Naughty? Your hair ain't naughty. It ain't misbehavin. It's doing what God meant it to do."
"I birthed a black nation. From my womb black creation."
"Like Huey said, 'We should all carry the weight, and those who have extreme abilities will have to carry extremely heavy loads."
Sister Mukumbu announced, "Today we're going to be like the earth, spinning around and affecting many. Today we're going to think about our part in the revolution."
Mrs. Woods said, "We know the same things. We have to stick together."
"Be eleven, Delphine. Be eleven while you can."
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 One Crazy Summer. Illustrate your quote and write what it means to you.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a favorite quote or scene from One Crazy Summer.
- 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.
- Save and exit when you're done.
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
Having students choose a favorite quote or scene from the 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.
Examples of Quotes from One Crazy Summer
"A large white woman came and stood before us, clapping her hands like we were on display at the Bronx Zoo."
"Vonetta had gone over Miss Patty Cake with the black Magic Marker, leaving pink lips and pink rouge circles peeking out on a once-white face."
"The Mike Douglas Show wasn't the only place to find [Black] people on television. Each week, Jet magazine pointed out all the shows with [Black] people. My sisters and I became expert [counters]. We had it down to a science."
"It hadn't occurred to me that Cecile didn't own a hot comb or curling iron, even though that fact was as big and thick as her unpressed braids. She'd said, "Naughty? Your hair ain't naughty. It ain't misbehavin. It's doing what God meant it to do."
"I birthed a black nation. From my womb black creation."
"Like Huey said, 'We should all carry the weight, and those who have extreme abilities will have to carry extremely heavy loads."
Sister Mukumbu announced, "Today we're going to be like the earth, spinning around and affecting many. Today we're going to think about our part in the revolution."
Mrs. Woods said, "We know the same things. We have to stick together."
"Be eleven, Delphine. Be eleven while you can."
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 One Crazy Summer. Illustrate your quote and write what it means to you.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a favorite quote or scene from One Crazy Summer.
- 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.
- Save and exit when you're done.
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 One Crazy Summer Quote Connection Activity
Incorporate small group discussions before students select their quotes
Encourage students to talk in small groups about memorable moments or lines from the book. This helps them hear different viewpoints and deepens their understanding before choosing a quote that resonates personally.
Guide students to brainstorm why certain quotes stand out to them
Ask students to jot down initial reactions and feelings about several quotes. This promotes self-reflection and helps them select a quote with true personal significance.
Model connecting a quote to your own experiences
Share an example where you connect a quote from the book to your life. Think aloud about how it relates to your experiences or beliefs. This demonstrates the process and makes it less intimidating for students.
Support students as they craft their personal responses
Provide sentence starters or guiding questions to help students express what a quote means to them. Scaffold the writing to build confidence and ensure thoughtful, authentic connections.
Invite students to share and reflect on diverse interpretations
Facilitate a classroom share-out where students present their quotes and meanings. Highlight how different perspectives can reveal new insights about the text and each other.
Frequently Asked Questions about One Crazy Summer Quote Connection Activity
What is the One Crazy Summer Quote Connection Activity?
The One Crazy Summer Quote Connection Activity is a lesson where students select a favorite quote or scene from the novel, create an illustration to represent it, and write about its personal meaning. This helps students make text-to-self connections while deepening their understanding of the book's characters and themes.
How do I guide students to choose meaningful quotes from One Crazy Summer?
Encourage students to pick quotes or scenes that personally resonate with them or reflect important themes in the story. Ask them to think about moments that made them feel something or changed their perspective, and to explain why these lines stand out.
What are some examples of impactful quotes from One Crazy Summer?
Examples include: "Be eleven, Delphine. Be eleven while you can," and "I birthed a black nation. From my womb black creation." Students can select from these or find other lines that are meaningful to them in the story.
How can a quote connection activity improve students' understanding of literature?
This activity encourages students to analyze character development and themes by connecting the text to their own experiences. It fosters critical thinking, empathy, and deeper engagement with literature.
What should students include in their quote connection storyboard?
Students should include their chosen quote or scene, an illustration representing it, and a brief written explanation (1-2 sentences) of what the quote means to them personally.
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