Activity Overview
Though there is more time spent on character development, much of the description Esperanza gives concerns the environment in which she lives from her own home and yard, to the shops she frequents and schools she attends.
Choose from three of the many settings in the book, and illustrate them using a traditional storyboard with description cells and title cells. Put the name of the setting in the title, and give an explanation as to why the setting you have chosen to illustrate is important in the book.
The Streets
Esperanza explains that outsiders (people not from her neighborhood) are scared to enter. When her neighbor's cousin takes them for a ride, it turns out to be a stolen car. They all have fun, but this might be scary to outsiders.
The Neighborhood
The local pawn shop is one of the places Esperanza and Nenny sometimes go. One of the most descriptive environments, the book describes the cluttered shop full of "tables with their feet upside down" and "rows and rows of refrigerators."
The Homes
Much of Esperanza's time is spend at her own house. Her mom, dad, two brothers, and younger sister all live there with her. Her mom is often described as seeming overworked.
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
Create a storyboard depicting three important settings in The House on Mango Street.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Identify three different settings.
- Describe each setting and it's importance in the story.
- Illustrate each setting with appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 20 Points | Emerging 15 Points | Beginning 10 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting Description | The student effectively describes the setting by identifying the place, time, and atmosphere. | The student describes two elements of the setting. | The student describes only one aspect of the setting. |
| Role of Setting | The student effectively identifies how the setting contributes to the development of plot, characters, mood, and theme. | The student is able to identify how the setting contributes to the development of two aspects of the novel: plot, characters, mood, or theme. | The student is able to identify how the setting contributes to the development of one aspect of the novel: plot, characters, mood, or theme. |
| Shifts in Setting | The student identifies how the setting shifts and the effect this change has on plot, character, mood and theme development. | The student is able to identify how the setting shifts, and the effect this shift has on two aspects of the development of the novel (plot, character, mood, or theme). | The student is able to identify how the setting shifts, and the effect this shift has on one aspect of the development of the novel (plot, character, mood, or theme). |
| Appearance | Final product contains accurate visual depictions of setting and characters. | Final product demonstrates an effort to accurately portray settings and characters though some aspects are confusing and/or inaccurate. | Final product contains irrelevant images. |
| Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation | Final product is free of spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors. | Final product contains up to three errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar that do not alter the meaning of the text. | Final product contains more than three errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar. |
Activity Overview
Though there is more time spent on character development, much of the description Esperanza gives concerns the environment in which she lives from her own home and yard, to the shops she frequents and schools she attends.
Choose from three of the many settings in the book, and illustrate them using a traditional storyboard with description cells and title cells. Put the name of the setting in the title, and give an explanation as to why the setting you have chosen to illustrate is important in the book.
The Streets
Esperanza explains that outsiders (people not from her neighborhood) are scared to enter. When her neighbor's cousin takes them for a ride, it turns out to be a stolen car. They all have fun, but this might be scary to outsiders.
The Neighborhood
The local pawn shop is one of the places Esperanza and Nenny sometimes go. One of the most descriptive environments, the book describes the cluttered shop full of "tables with their feet upside down" and "rows and rows of refrigerators."
The Homes
Much of Esperanza's time is spend at her own house. Her mom, dad, two brothers, and younger sister all live there with her. Her mom is often described as seeming overworked.
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
Create a storyboard depicting three important settings in The House on Mango Street.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Identify three different settings.
- Describe each setting and it's importance in the story.
- Illustrate each setting with appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 20 Points | Emerging 15 Points | Beginning 10 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting Description | The student effectively describes the setting by identifying the place, time, and atmosphere. | The student describes two elements of the setting. | The student describes only one aspect of the setting. |
| Role of Setting | The student effectively identifies how the setting contributes to the development of plot, characters, mood, and theme. | The student is able to identify how the setting contributes to the development of two aspects of the novel: plot, characters, mood, or theme. | The student is able to identify how the setting contributes to the development of one aspect of the novel: plot, characters, mood, or theme. |
| Shifts in Setting | The student identifies how the setting shifts and the effect this change has on plot, character, mood and theme development. | The student is able to identify how the setting shifts, and the effect this shift has on two aspects of the development of the novel (plot, character, mood, or theme). | The student is able to identify how the setting shifts, and the effect this shift has on one aspect of the development of the novel (plot, character, mood, or theme). |
| Appearance | Final product contains accurate visual depictions of setting and characters. | Final product demonstrates an effort to accurately portray settings and characters though some aspects are confusing and/or inaccurate. | Final product contains irrelevant images. |
| Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation | Final product is free of spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors. | Final product contains up to three errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar that do not alter the meaning of the text. | Final product contains more than three errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar. |
How Tos about Settings in The House on Mango Street
Organize a setting scavenger hunt using the novel’s environments
Boost student engagement by turning key settings into a scavenger hunt. Assign small groups to find and record details about specific settings as they read. This approach makes students active readers and helps them notice how setting shapes the story.
Assign each group a different setting to explore
Give each group a setting (like the house, neighborhood, or school). Ask them to collect descriptive quotes, draw a quick sketch, and explain why their setting matters. This division encourages collaboration and deeper understanding.
Guide students to share findings with the class
Invite each group to present their setting, showing their sketches and sharing quotes. Discuss how each environment affects Esperanza and other characters. This builds speaking skills and helps connect ideas across the novel.
Facilitate a classroom discussion about setting impact
Lead a conversation about why settings matter in the book. Ask guiding questions like, “How does the neighborhood shape Esperanza’s dreams?” or “What feelings do different settings create?” This deepens comprehension and sparks critical thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions about Settings in The House on Mango Street
What are the main settings in The House on Mango Street?
The main settings in The House on Mango Street include Esperanza's home, the neighborhood streets, and local shops like the pawn shop. Each setting reveals important details about Esperanza’s life and her community.
How can I help students illustrate settings from The House on Mango Street?
To help students illustrate settings, have them choose three different locations from the novel, describe each setting’s significance, and create drawings or storyboards that include characters and key items mentioned in the book.
Why is setting important in The House on Mango Street?
The setting shapes Esperanza’s experiences and identity. It highlights the challenges and culture of her community, making it central to understanding the novel’s themes and character development.
What is a setting map activity for The House on Mango Street?
A setting map activity asks students to identify, describe, and visually represent three key locations from the novel. This helps them connect the story’s environment to its characters and plot.
What are some creative ways to teach setting in The House on Mango Street?
Creative approaches include using storyboards, group illustrations, or digital maps. Encourage students to use quotes and details from the book to make their settings accurate and meaningful.
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