Activity Overview
Understanding a book's point of view is something that helps students better understand the story, and how the POV can differ from the narrator. The narrators for Return to Sender allow the reader to view the story from two different points of view. Julia Alvarez chose to tell the story from the perspective of both Mari and Tyler, using alternating chapters giving a voice to both the family from Mexico and the family from Vermont. With this activity, students will create a storyboard identifying the differences in narration in the story and how they influence the story. Teachers can discuss the difference between a first person and third person narrator as well as the differences between limited and omniscient.
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 analyzing the narrator's point of view in Return to Sender.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the point of view of the narrators (Mari and Tyler) from Return to Sender.
- In 1-3 cells, use evidence from the text to describe the narrator's point of view.
- Add appropriate characters, scenes and items to illustrate your points.
- Write a description for each cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
First person point of view. First person is when “I” am telling the story. The character is in the story, relating his or her experiences directly.
Second person point of view. The story is told to “you.” This POV is not common in fiction, but it’s still good to know (it is common in nonfiction).
Third person point of view, limited. The story is about “he” or “she.” This is the most common point of view in commercial fiction. The narrator is outside of the story and relating the experiences of a character.
Third person point of view, omniscient. The story is still about “he” or “she,” but the narrator has full access to the thoughts and experiences of all characters in the story.
Create a storyboard that identifies each point of view and describes each using a written explanation and an illustration.
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 19 Points | Beginning 13 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify the Points of View | The student identified all points of view the author employed in the novel correctly. | The student identified most of the points of view. | The student did not identify the correct point of view, |
| Written Explanations | Text descriptions clearly explain the points of view used in the novel and described the differences in their perspectives. | Text descriptions explain the points of view, but may lack clarity. | Text descriptions do not accurately describe the points of view. |
| Storyboard Images | Illustrations show scenes clearly connected to the point of view and perspective described and use visual elements to show a difference between perspectives. | Illustrations show scenes connected to the point of view and perspective described but may be simplistic or lack detail. | Scenes do not clearly describe the points of view employed in the novel. |
| Effort and Editing | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. Spelling and grammar are correct. | Most of the sections of the storyboard were at least attempted and work is presentable. The text contains some errors in spelling and/or grammar. | Storyboard is unfinished and/or disorganized. The text contains many errors in spelling and/or grammar. |
Activity Overview
Understanding a book's point of view is something that helps students better understand the story, and how the POV can differ from the narrator. The narrators for Return to Sender allow the reader to view the story from two different points of view. Julia Alvarez chose to tell the story from the perspective of both Mari and Tyler, using alternating chapters giving a voice to both the family from Mexico and the family from Vermont. With this activity, students will create a storyboard identifying the differences in narration in the story and how they influence the story. Teachers can discuss the difference between a first person and third person narrator as well as the differences between limited and omniscient.
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 analyzing the narrator's point of view in Return to Sender.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the point of view of the narrators (Mari and Tyler) from Return to Sender.
- In 1-3 cells, use evidence from the text to describe the narrator's point of view.
- Add appropriate characters, scenes and items to illustrate your points.
- Write a description for each cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
First person point of view. First person is when “I” am telling the story. The character is in the story, relating his or her experiences directly.
Second person point of view. The story is told to “you.” This POV is not common in fiction, but it’s still good to know (it is common in nonfiction).
Third person point of view, limited. The story is about “he” or “she.” This is the most common point of view in commercial fiction. The narrator is outside of the story and relating the experiences of a character.
Third person point of view, omniscient. The story is still about “he” or “she,” but the narrator has full access to the thoughts and experiences of all characters in the story.
Create a storyboard that identifies each point of view and describes each using a written explanation and an illustration.
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 19 Points | Beginning 13 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify the Points of View | The student identified all points of view the author employed in the novel correctly. | The student identified most of the points of view. | The student did not identify the correct point of view, |
| Written Explanations | Text descriptions clearly explain the points of view used in the novel and described the differences in their perspectives. | Text descriptions explain the points of view, but may lack clarity. | Text descriptions do not accurately describe the points of view. |
| Storyboard Images | Illustrations show scenes clearly connected to the point of view and perspective described and use visual elements to show a difference between perspectives. | Illustrations show scenes connected to the point of view and perspective described but may be simplistic or lack detail. | Scenes do not clearly describe the points of view employed in the novel. |
| Effort and Editing | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. Spelling and grammar are correct. | Most of the sections of the storyboard were at least attempted and work is presentable. The text contains some errors in spelling and/or grammar. | Storyboard is unfinished and/or disorganized. The text contains many errors in spelling and/or grammar. |
How Tos about Point of View in Return to Sender
How to Facilitate a Class Debate on Character Perspectives in Return to Sender
Encourage critical thinking and active participation by organizing a debate where students represent different characters' points of view from the novel. This activity deepens understanding of narrative perspective.
Choose key scenes for debate preparation
Select important scenes where characters' perspectives clearly differ. Highlight moments of conflict or misunderstanding to spark thoughtful discussion.
Assign students to character roles
Divide students into small groups and assign each group a character, such as Mari, Tyler, or another significant figure. Encourage empathy by having them 'step into' their character's shoes.
Guide students to gather textual evidence
Instruct each group to find quotes or passages that support their character’s perspective. This promotes close reading and evidence-based reasoning.
Hold the debate and moderate respectfully
Facilitate the class debate, reminding students to listen actively and respond respectfully to differing viewpoints. Emphasize using text evidence in their arguments.
Reflect on how perspectives shape understanding
After the debate, lead a brief reflection discussing how exploring multiple points of view enriches comprehension of the story and its themes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Point of View in Return to Sender
What is the point of view in 'Return to Sender' by Julia Alvarez?
'Return to Sender' uses a dual point of view, alternating between Mari and Tyler. Each narrator shares their own experiences and perspectives, helping readers understand both families' stories.
How do Mari and Tyler's perspectives differ in 'Return to Sender'?
Mari's perspective reflects her experiences as a Mexican immigrant, while Tyler's viewpoint shows life on a Vermont farm. Each narrator highlights different challenges, shaping how the story unfolds.
How can I teach point of view using 'Return to Sender'?
Have students create a storyboard comparing Mari's and Tyler's narration. Use text evidence, illustrate scenes, and discuss how each perspective influences the narrative.
What is the difference between first person and third person narration?
First person narration uses 'I' or 'we,' letting readers experience the story through a character's eyes. Third person narration uses 'he,' 'she,' or 'they,' and can be limited (one character's thoughts) or omniscient (all characters' thoughts).
Why is understanding point of view important in middle school literature lessons?
Understanding point of view helps students analyze characters' motivations, recognize bias, and see how narration shapes the story. It builds critical reading skills vital for middle school success.
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