Activity Overview
Point of view provides the eyes, ears, and thoughts of a character. By analyzing point of view, students can gather insight to the author’s purpose, theme, and voice. In this activity, students will examine the author’s point of view and identify ways it is unique in understanding elements of the story.
The Reader and Alec Experience Action at the Same Time
“In the afternoon he groomed the Black until the stallion’s black body glistened, and his long mane fell smoothly down on his neck.”
“Suddenly he let loose on the reins and the stallion bolted. He gained momentum in mighty leaps.”
“Answering the pleas of the hundreds grouped around them, Alec took a few roses from the huge bow of flowers draped around the Black’s neck, and then threw the rest of them into the throng.”
The Reader Knows Alec’s Thoughts
“When he came up, his first thought was of the ship; then he heard an explosion, and he saw the Drake settling deep into the water.”
“Without stopping to think, Alec grabbed hold of [the rope]. Then he was pulled through the water, into the oncoming seas.”
“Alec forgot his problems in the beauty of the stallion as he swept along, grace in his swift stride, his black mane and tail flying.”
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 differing points of view in The Black Stallion
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Add titles for the rows and columns.
- In each cell, add appropriate characters, scenes, and items to show your thinking.
- Explain each illustration in the description boxes.
- Click "Save and Exit" when you are done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three Points of View | The student includes three different points of view in the description of each cell. | The student includes two different points of view in the description of each cell. | The student includes one point of view in the description of each cell. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes is appropriate and neat. Time and care is taken to ensure that scenes are eye-catching and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes is appropriate but may seem rushed. Some art may be haphazardly placed and lack of attention to detail is noticeable. | The art chosen to depict the scenes is inappropriate or too limited. Some scenes may have been left blank. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. |
Activity Overview
Point of view provides the eyes, ears, and thoughts of a character. By analyzing point of view, students can gather insight to the author’s purpose, theme, and voice. In this activity, students will examine the author’s point of view and identify ways it is unique in understanding elements of the story.
The Reader and Alec Experience Action at the Same Time
“In the afternoon he groomed the Black until the stallion’s black body glistened, and his long mane fell smoothly down on his neck.”
“Suddenly he let loose on the reins and the stallion bolted. He gained momentum in mighty leaps.”
“Answering the pleas of the hundreds grouped around them, Alec took a few roses from the huge bow of flowers draped around the Black’s neck, and then threw the rest of them into the throng.”
The Reader Knows Alec’s Thoughts
“When he came up, his first thought was of the ship; then he heard an explosion, and he saw the Drake settling deep into the water.”
“Without stopping to think, Alec grabbed hold of [the rope]. Then he was pulled through the water, into the oncoming seas.”
“Alec forgot his problems in the beauty of the stallion as he swept along, grace in his swift stride, his black mane and tail flying.”
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 differing points of view in The Black Stallion
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Add titles for the rows and columns.
- In each cell, add appropriate characters, scenes, and items to show your thinking.
- Explain each illustration in the description boxes.
- Click "Save and Exit" when you are done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three Points of View | The student includes three different points of view in the description of each cell. | The student includes two different points of view in the description of each cell. | The student includes one point of view in the description of each cell. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes is appropriate and neat. Time and care is taken to ensure that scenes are eye-catching and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes is appropriate but may seem rushed. Some art may be haphazardly placed and lack of attention to detail is noticeable. | The art chosen to depict the scenes is inappropriate or too limited. Some scenes may have been left blank. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. |
How Tos about Point of View in The Black Stallion
How to Help Students Compare First-Person and Third-Person Point of View
Comparing different points of view lets students discover how narration changes a story’s impact. Highlighting these contrasts sharpens students’ critical reading skills and deepens their understanding of author choices.
Introduce excerpts from both points of view
Choose a short scene from The Black Stallion and rewrite it in both first-person (“I”) and third-person (“he/she”). Showing both versions helps students notice differences in information and tone.
Lead a discussion on differences
Ask students to share what they notice about each version. Guide them to observe how the narrator’s position affects what the reader knows, feels, and imagines.
Create a Venn diagram together
Draw two overlapping circles on the board. Label one “First-Person” and the other “Third-Person.” List unique and shared qualities from the class discussion in each section.
Invite students to write a short scene from both perspectives
Have students pick a favorite moment from the story and rewrite it in both first-person and third-person. Encourage them to reflect on how each version changes the scene.
Frequently Asked Questions about Point of View in The Black Stallion
What is point of view in 'The Black Stallion'?
Point of view in The Black Stallion refers to how the story is told through Alec's perspective. Readers experience events and Alec’s thoughts as they happen, gaining insight into the author’s purpose and the story’s themes.
How does the author show Alec's thoughts and feelings in the story?
The author reveals Alec's thoughts and feelings by describing his reactions, inner dialogue, and emotional responses to events. This helps readers connect closely with Alec and understand his experiences.
Why is understanding point of view important for students reading 'The Black Stallion'?
Understanding point of view helps students see how information is presented, why certain details are included, and how the author shapes the reader’s understanding of characters and events.
What is a simple activity to teach point of view using 'The Black Stallion'?
An easy activity is to have students create a storyboard showing key scenes from Alec’s perspective and then from another character’s viewpoint. This visual exercise helps highlight differences in perspective.
How can I help students identify unique aspects of point of view in this book?
Encourage students to find text evidence where Alec’s thoughts or feelings are described, and compare how events might be experienced differently by other characters. Discuss how this impacts the story’s meaning.
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