Activity Overview
The point of view of a story is important in how it is told and what the reader understands. Point of view activities ask students to identify key pronouns to help them discover if the point of view is first person, third person limited, or third person omniscient. For this activity, students will identify who is telling a certain part of the story in Refugee what words they use to describe themselves and others, and in which point of view the story is being told. Teachers may modify or customize the worksheets to provide more or less scaffolding. They can be used digitally or printed and completed by hand.
For additional templates to modify and add to this activity, check out our point of view worksheet templates!
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: Identify point of view in Refugee.
Student Instructions:
- Choose one of the stories.
- Identify who is telling the story and the point of view in which it’s being told.
- Identify words that are used by the speaker to identify themselves and others.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The writing is clear and uses complete sentences. The worksheet is complete and correct. | The writing is somewhat clear and uses some complete sentences. The worksheet is complete with some incorrect responses. | The worksheet is incomplete or mostly incorrect. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
The point of view of a story is important in how it is told and what the reader understands. Point of view activities ask students to identify key pronouns to help them discover if the point of view is first person, third person limited, or third person omniscient. For this activity, students will identify who is telling a certain part of the story in Refugee what words they use to describe themselves and others, and in which point of view the story is being told. Teachers may modify or customize the worksheets to provide more or less scaffolding. They can be used digitally or printed and completed by hand.
For additional templates to modify and add to this activity, check out our point of view worksheet templates!
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: Identify point of view in Refugee.
Student Instructions:
- Choose one of the stories.
- Identify who is telling the story and the point of view in which it’s being told.
- Identify words that are used by the speaker to identify themselves and others.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The writing is clear and uses complete sentences. The worksheet is complete and correct. | The writing is somewhat clear and uses some complete sentences. The worksheet is complete with some incorrect responses. | The worksheet is incomplete or mostly incorrect. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about Point of View in Refugee
How to Lead a Class Discussion on Point of View Shifts in Refugee
Facilitate a whole-class discussion where students identify and analyze point of view changes across different chapters or characters in Refugee. This encourages students to compare perspectives, deepening their understanding of how narrative voice shapes the story and its themes.
Prepare excerpts from key chapters featuring different narrators
Select short passages that showcase distinct narrators in Refugee. Use these to help students see how the narration changes and to spark meaningful comparisons.
Ask students guiding questions before reading each excerpt
Prompt students with questions like, “Who is telling this part?” or “How does this narrator’s perspective affect what we know?” to focus their attention on point of view as they read.
Encourage students to cite text evidence of point of view
Have students find and share pronouns or phrases that reveal each narrator’s perspective. This practice reinforces close reading and helps students justify their thinking.
Guide students to compare how each point of view shapes understanding
Discuss as a group how each narrator’s experiences and feelings influence what the reader learns. Highlight the importance of perspective in understanding character motives and plot developments.
Frequently Asked Questions about Point of View in Refugee
How do you identify the point of view in Refugee by Alan Gratz?
To identify the point of view in Refugee by Alan Gratz, focus on the pronouns used and who is telling the story. Look for words like “I” or “me” (first person) or “he,” “she,” or character names (third person). Also, determine if the narrator knows all characters’ thoughts (omniscient) or just one (limited).
What are some easy activities to teach point of view using Refugee?
Easy activities include having students identify pronouns in passages, rewrite sections from a different perspective, or fill out worksheets about who is telling the story and what they know. Customizable worksheets and digital or printable templates can make these lessons quick and adaptable.
Why is understanding point of view important in middle school literature like Refugee?
Understanding point of view helps students see how a story is shaped by the narrator’s perspective. In books like Refugee, it reveals character motivations and biases, deepening comprehension and empathy.
What is the difference between first person, third person limited, and third person omniscient point of view?
First person uses “I” and is told by a character in the story. Third person limited follows one character closely, using “he/she.” Third person omniscient shows the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters, giving a broader view.
Can I modify point of view worksheets for different student needs?
Yes, point of view worksheets for Refugee are easily customizable. Teachers can add or remove scaffolding, adjust questions, or use digital and printable formats to suit individual or class needs.
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