Activity Overview
The setting of a story is the location and time, or the where and when. Settings often play a crucial role especially in the case of historical fiction or when there are multiple places as is the case in the book Other Words for Home. In this activity, students will create a setting chart to describe and illustrate the where and when for the novel. The story begins on a beautiful coastal town in Syria but the Civil War forces the main character, Jude, to flee to the United States where she lives with her uncle in Ohio.
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 identifying the different settings in the book Other Words for Home.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the settings in Other Words for Home.
- Add appropriate scenes, items, textables, etc. to illustrate each setting.
- Write a description for each cell.
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 a story is the location and time, or the where and when. Settings often play a crucial role especially in the case of historical fiction or when there are multiple places as is the case in the book Other Words for Home. In this activity, students will create a setting chart to describe and illustrate the where and when for the novel. The story begins on a beautiful coastal town in Syria but the Civil War forces the main character, Jude, to flee to the United States where she lives with her uncle in Ohio.
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 identifying the different settings in the book Other Words for Home.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the settings in Other Words for Home.
- Add appropriate scenes, items, textables, etc. to illustrate each setting.
- Write a description for each cell.
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 in Other Words for Home
Engage students with a setting scavenger hunt
Transform your reading session by turning setting exploration into an interactive scavenger hunt. Students will actively search for clues about time and place as they read, making the story come alive and boosting their comprehension.
Prepare setting clue cards before class
Write brief clues or quotes from the book that hint at different settings on index cards. These cards help students focus on key details and guide them as they read or listen.
Distribute cards and explain the challenge
Hand out setting clue cards to students or small groups. Explain that as you read, they should listen for information matching their clues and signal when they find a match.
Read aloud and encourage active participation
Read passages from the novel aloud. Invite students to share when they spot a setting detail, discuss why it fits, and add it to a shared class chart or map.
Reflect and connect settings to character experiences
Facilitate a class discussion about how each setting influences Jude's feelings and choices. This reflection deepens understanding and helps students connect setting to theme and character development.
Frequently Asked Questions about Setting in Other Words for Home
What are the main settings in Other Words for Home?
Other Words for Home is set primarily in a coastal town in Syria and later in Ohio, USA. The story highlights Jude's transition from her homeland to her new life in America, emphasizing the contrast between these two places.
How can students create a setting chart for Other Words for Home?
Students can create a setting chart by identifying key locations and times in the book, then illustrating or describing each one. Use scenes, images, and short descriptions to map out Jude's journey from Syria to Ohio.
Why is the setting important in the novel Other Words for Home?
The setting shapes Jude's experiences and growth, highlighting cultural differences and the challenges of immigration. The shift from Syria to the U.S. is central to understanding the story's themes of identity and belonging.
What is a setting map activity for middle school students?
A setting map activity asks students to visually represent the different places and times in a story, helping them better understand the plot and the significance of each location in the narrative.
What are some tips for teaching setting in Other Words for Home?
Encourage students to use both text and illustrations, connect settings to character emotions, and discuss how changes in location affect the story. Using graphic organizers or storyboards can make the lesson more engaging.
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