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 Return to Sender
“Lots of them are coming up here because they can’t earn enough back home to live on. Many of them used to farm. They’re separated from their families for years.”
“Nothing is wrong, my heart. But you will never forget me, ever?”
“Sometimes when Tyler is looking up at the night sky, he thinks he sees his grandfather’s face.”
“But a home means being all together, so until you are back with us Mama, we will never feel at home, not in Carolina del Norte, not in Mexico, not here."
“But Tio Felipe shook his head. That viejita was not going to believe a Mexican. My uncle hadn’t meant to hurt my feelings, but it made me feel the same left-out feelings as when the children at school called me names."
"This country [was] built by people who gave up everything in search of a better life, not just for themselves but for their children. Their blood, sweat, and tears formed this great nation . . . We're all born human beings. But we have to earn that e at the end of human with our actions so we can truly call ourselves humane beings."
"That's no way to treat decent folks!"
"We are the ones we have been waiting for . . . You and me, Mari, it's up to us. We are the ones who are going to save this planet. So we've got to stay connected - through the stars above and the swallows and letters back and forth . . . Your friend forever, Tyler."
"Friendship knows no borders!"
"Maria, you deserve to stay in our country. It would be a better nation with you in it. Your friend forever, Tyler."
""It's 'La Golondrina,'" Mari explains . . . "You sing it when you are far away from your homeland and the people you love.""
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 Return to Sender. Illustrate your quote and write what it means to you.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a favorite quote or scene from Return to Sender.
- 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 or Scene, 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 Return to Sender
“Lots of them are coming up here because they can’t earn enough back home to live on. Many of them used to farm. They’re separated from their families for years.”
“Nothing is wrong, my heart. But you will never forget me, ever?”
“Sometimes when Tyler is looking up at the night sky, he thinks he sees his grandfather’s face.”
“But a home means being all together, so until you are back with us Mama, we will never feel at home, not in Carolina del Norte, not in Mexico, not here."
“But Tio Felipe shook his head. That viejita was not going to believe a Mexican. My uncle hadn’t meant to hurt my feelings, but it made me feel the same left-out feelings as when the children at school called me names."
"This country [was] built by people who gave up everything in search of a better life, not just for themselves but for their children. Their blood, sweat, and tears formed this great nation . . . We're all born human beings. But we have to earn that e at the end of human with our actions so we can truly call ourselves humane beings."
"That's no way to treat decent folks!"
"We are the ones we have been waiting for . . . You and me, Mari, it's up to us. We are the ones who are going to save this planet. So we've got to stay connected - through the stars above and the swallows and letters back and forth . . . Your friend forever, Tyler."
"Friendship knows no borders!"
"Maria, you deserve to stay in our country. It would be a better nation with you in it. Your friend forever, Tyler."
""It's 'La Golondrina,'" Mari explains . . . "You sing it when you are far away from your homeland and the people you love.""
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 Return to Sender. Illustrate your quote and write what it means to you.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a favorite quote or scene from Return to Sender.
- 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 or Scene, 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 Favorite Quote from Return to Sender
Organize a gallery walk to showcase student storyboards
Transform your classroom into an interactive gallery by posting student storyboards around the room. Invite students to walk around, view each other’s work, and leave positive feedback or sticky notes with questions. This approach builds classroom community and encourages deeper reflection on the novel’s themes.
Model how to select a meaningful quote from the text
Demonstrate choosing a powerful quote by reading a passage aloud and explaining why it stands out. Discuss connections to the story’s themes or characters. This helps students understand what makes a quote impactful and guides their own selections.
Guide students in illustrating their chosen quote
Encourage students to visualize the scene or emotion behind their quote using simple sketches, symbols, or digital images. Remind them that creativity matters more than artistic skill! This step strengthens comprehension through creative expression.
Facilitate peer sharing and discussion
Pair or group students to share their storyboards and the meaning behind their chosen quotes. Prompt them to ask each other questions and discuss different interpretations. This exchange fosters empathy and multiple perspectives.
Reflect as a class on common themes and personal connections
Lead a whole-class conversation about recurring ideas in the selected quotes and how personal experiences shape interpretation. Highlight the diversity of responses as a strength. This reflection deepens understanding of the novel and each other.
Frequently Asked Questions about Favorite Quote from Return to Sender
What is a good quote from Return to Sender for a student project?
A meaningful quote from Return to Sender is: “Friendship knows no borders!” This line captures the novel’s messages of compassion, connection, and understanding across differences, making it a powerful choice for a student project.
How can students choose a favorite quote from Return to Sender?
Students can select a favorite quote by thinking about which lines made them feel something or helped them understand the characters better. They should pick a quote that resonates personally and reflects a key theme or moment in the story.
What does it mean to make a text-to-self connection with Return to Sender?
Making a text-to-self connection means relating a part of Return to Sender—such as a quote or scene—to your own feelings, experiences, or beliefs. This helps deepen understanding and makes reading more meaningful for students.
How do you create a storyboard for a favorite quote from Return to Sender?
To create a storyboard, choose a quote or scene, draw an illustration that represents it, and write 1–2 sentences explaining what the quote means to you. Include details that show your personal interpretation and the story’s themes.
Why is it valuable for students to discuss their favorite quotes from Return to Sender?
Discussing favorite quotes helps students see different perspectives and understand how personal experiences shape interpretation. It fosters empathy, critical thinking, and deeper engagement with the novel’s themes.
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