Activity Overview
In the book The Boy on the Wooden Box, Leon struggles to survive for many years. Sometimes he survived based on pure luck, sometimes he survived because of his courage, and sometimes he survived because of his intellect. There was a time, at Leon’s lowest point, when he simply didn’t care anymore if he survived or not. In fact, he even preferred death to the hell that he was living in. For this activity, students will identify, describe, and illustrate three examples of when Leon survived during his horrible, unimaginable struggle.
Teachers may also choose to extend this activity to discuss other themes present in the memoir.
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 3 cell storyboard that identifies and describes three examples of how Leon survived his circumstances in The Boy on the Wooden Box.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify examples and write titles in the headings.
- Create images for each example using appropriate images, characters, and scenes.
- Write a short description of each example.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. | Some themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or do not make sense with the story. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified themes. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified themes. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified themes. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the themes and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the themes, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the themes. |
Activity Overview
In the book The Boy on the Wooden Box, Leon struggles to survive for many years. Sometimes he survived based on pure luck, sometimes he survived because of his courage, and sometimes he survived because of his intellect. There was a time, at Leon’s lowest point, when he simply didn’t care anymore if he survived or not. In fact, he even preferred death to the hell that he was living in. For this activity, students will identify, describe, and illustrate three examples of when Leon survived during his horrible, unimaginable struggle.
Teachers may also choose to extend this activity to discuss other themes present in the memoir.
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 3 cell storyboard that identifies and describes three examples of how Leon survived his circumstances in The Boy on the Wooden Box.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify examples and write titles in the headings.
- Create images for each example using appropriate images, characters, and scenes.
- Write a short description of each example.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. | Some themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or do not make sense with the story. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified themes. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified themes. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified themes. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the themes and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the themes, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the themes. |
How Tos about Leon\'s Survival in The Boy on the Wooden Box
Easily Facilitate a Thoughtful Class Discussion on Leon’s Survival Strategies
Guide your students in analyzing how Leon survived by encouraging them to share observations, ask questions, and connect his experiences to broader themes. Thoughtful discussions help deepen understanding and build empathy.
Set clear expectations for respectful participation
Explain the importance of listening carefully and respecting all viewpoints. Students are more likely to engage when they know their ideas are valued and that everyone has an opportunity to speak.
Begin with open-ended, guiding questions
Ask questions like, “What do you think helped Leon survive?” or “How did Leon’s actions show both luck and courage?” Open-ended prompts encourage students to think deeply and share unique perspectives.
Encourage students to use evidence from the text
Prompt students to support their ideas with specific examples from the book. This practice strengthens critical thinking and text analysis skills.
Connect Leon’s experiences to students’ own lives
Invite students to reflect on times they’ve faced challenges or made tough choices. Personal connections make the discussion more meaningful and relatable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Leon\'s Survival in The Boy on the Wooden Box
What are three examples of how Leon survived in The Boy on the Wooden Box?
Leon survived by relying on luck, showing courage during dangerous moments, and using his intellect to navigate life-threatening situations in The Boy on the Wooden Box. Each of these helped him endure the unimaginable challenges he faced.
How can students illustrate Leon's survival in The Boy on the Wooden Box?
Students can create a 3-cell storyboard to identify, describe, and illustrate three key moments when Leon survived, using images and short descriptions for each example from the memoir.
What is the main lesson about survival in The Boy on the Wooden Box?
The main lesson is that survival can depend on luck, courage, and clever thinking. Leon's story shows how resilience, hope, and resourcefulness can help someone endure even the hardest times.
What themes can teachers discuss from The Boy on the Wooden Box?
Teachers can explore themes like survival, resilience, the impact of hope and courage, and how individuals respond to extreme adversity in The Boy on the Wooden Box.
How do students complete the survival storyboard assignment for The Boy on the Wooden Box?
Students should click Start Assignment, identify three survival examples, add titles and images for each, write short descriptions, and save their work when finished.
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