Activity Overview
Important lines or events can be highlighted with storyboards. Ask students to make personal connections to the text by selecting and illustrating an important part and explaining its significance. You can direct students to choose a scene, a line of dialogue, or one of the many literary allusions in the book. This is a simple and engaging way for students to demonstrate an understanding of the novel’s characters, plot, or theme. The example below shows a sample storyboard making a connection to a poem Hazel recites.
The Fault in Our Stars Personal Connection
Favorite Literary Reference
"so much depends / upon / a red wheel / barrow / glazed with rain / water / beside the white / chickens" I like this poem because it means that the simple things in life are very important, like spending time with your grandmother.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write "Favorite Part of The Fault in Our Stars in the header.
- Select a part of the book that you find important and can connect with. Write it in the header. Next, write why you chose it and why it's important to you.
- Illustrate this part OR your connection using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Important lines or events can be highlighted with storyboards. Ask students to make personal connections to the text by selecting and illustrating an important part and explaining its significance. You can direct students to choose a scene, a line of dialogue, or one of the many literary allusions in the book. This is a simple and engaging way for students to demonstrate an understanding of the novel’s characters, plot, or theme. The example below shows a sample storyboard making a connection to a poem Hazel recites.
The Fault in Our Stars Personal Connection
Favorite Literary Reference
"so much depends / upon / a red wheel / barrow / glazed with rain / water / beside the white / chickens" I like this poem because it means that the simple things in life are very important, like spending time with your grandmother.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write "Favorite Part of The Fault in Our Stars in the header.
- Select a part of the book that you find important and can connect with. Write it in the header. Next, write why you chose it and why it's important to you.
- Illustrate this part OR your connection using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Making Personal Connections with The Fault in Our Stars
Use storyboards to support student comprehension
Guide students to break down major events or themes into storyboard panels. This helps visual learners and deepens understanding by connecting images to key ideas.
Model making a personal connection with the text
Share your own example of a meaningful quote or event from the novel and explain your personal connection. Demonstrating this process encourages students to reflect authentically.
Provide sentence starters for student reflections
Offer prompts like “This part reminds me of…” or “I connect with this character because…” to support students as they articulate their thoughts.
Facilitate a gallery walk of student storyboards
Arrange students’ work around the room and have classmates rotate to view and discuss each other's storyboards. This builds classroom community and validates diverse perspectives.
Assess understanding with a reflective exit slip
Ask students to write a short reflection about how making a personal connection changed their view of the novel. This checks for understanding and promotes metacognition.
Frequently Asked Questions about Making Personal Connections with The Fault in Our Stars
How can students make personal connections to The Fault in Our Stars?
Students can make personal connections to The Fault in Our Stars by selecting an important scene, line of dialogue, or literary allusion and explaining why it resonates with them. They can illustrate their connection with a storyboard to visually express their understanding.
What is a simple activity for teaching The Fault in Our Stars in grades 6-12?
A simple activity is to have students choose their favorite part of the novel, write about its significance, and create a storyboard illustrating their personal connection. This helps students engage with the book's themes and characters in a creative way.
What are some effective ways to use storyboards in literature lessons?
Storyboards can be used to highlight important lines or events, allow students to visualize scenes, and encourage them to make personal or thematic connections with the text. This technique supports comprehension and creative thinking.
Why is making personal connections to literature important for students?
Making personal connections helps students relate the text to their own lives, deepening their understanding and engagement. It fosters empathy, critical thinking, and a stronger appreciation for literature.
How do I guide students to select a meaningful part of The Fault in Our Stars?
Encourage students to reflect on parts of the book that stood out to them—such as impactful quotes, emotional scenes, or literary references—and ask them to explain why these moments are significant personally or thematically.
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Fault in Our Stars, The
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