Activity Overview
Throughout the play, Annie faces a number of challenges that she must overcome in order to truly get through to Helen. It is important for students to realize the incredible struggles that she endured, and that if she had given up at any time, Helen Keller would not have become the woman that she was: an inspiration to so many. For this activity, students will create a spider map that illustrates the challenges that Annie faced while working with Helen. At the teacher's discretion, students may also have the option to create a storyboard that describes some of the challenges Helen faced.
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 spider map that identifies challenges that Annie Sullivan faced in The Miracle Worker. Illustrate instances of each challenge and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the challenges you wish to include and write them in the headings.
- Create an image for an example that represents this challenge using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of each of the examples.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The challenge descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The challenge descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The challenge descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the challenges using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the challenges, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the challenges. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
Throughout the play, Annie faces a number of challenges that she must overcome in order to truly get through to Helen. It is important for students to realize the incredible struggles that she endured, and that if she had given up at any time, Helen Keller would not have become the woman that she was: an inspiration to so many. For this activity, students will create a spider map that illustrates the challenges that Annie faced while working with Helen. At the teacher's discretion, students may also have the option to create a storyboard that describes some of the challenges Helen faced.
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 spider map that identifies challenges that Annie Sullivan faced in The Miracle Worker. Illustrate instances of each challenge and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the challenges you wish to include and write them in the headings.
- Create an image for an example that represents this challenge using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of each of the examples.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The challenge descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The challenge descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The challenge descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the challenges using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the challenges, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the challenges. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about Challenges in The Miracle Worker
Engage Students with a Collaborative Group Discussion on Overcoming Obstacles
Encourage active participation by dividing students into small groups to discuss personal or fictional experiences with overcoming challenges, relating them to Annie Sullivan’s journey in The Miracle Worker. This helps students connect literature to real life and builds empathy.
Assign Each Group a Challenge from the Play to Explore
Promote teamwork by giving each group a specific challenge Annie faced. Ask them to find text evidence and discuss how Annie responded, fostering close reading and critical thinking.
Guide Students to Share Their Findings with the Class
Have each group present their assigned challenge and Annie’s response. This builds confidence in speaking and allows all students to learn multiple perspectives on problem-solving.
Facilitate a Reflection Activity Connecting Challenges to Growth
Ask students to reflect in writing or a short discussion on how facing obstacles can lead to personal growth, both for Annie and themselves. Reinforce resilience and growth mindset in your classroom community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Challenges in The Miracle Worker
What challenges did Annie Sullivan face in The Miracle Worker?
Annie Sullivan faced challenges such as Helen Keller's initial resistance, lack of family support, communication barriers, and her own past traumas. These obstacles made teaching Helen difficult but ultimately led to Helen's breakthrough.
How can students create a spider map for The Miracle Worker?
To create a spider map, students should identify key challenges Annie faced, write each as a heading, add images or examples for each, and include brief descriptions. This helps visualize the struggles and Annie's perseverance.
Why is it important to understand Annie Sullivan's struggles?
Understanding Annie Sullivan's struggles highlights her determination and shows how overcoming adversity can lead to life-changing outcomes, inspiring students to persist in the face of difficulties.
What is a storyboard activity for The Miracle Worker?
A storyboard activity involves students illustrating and describing scenes that represent challenges faced by Annie or Helen, helping them analyze character development and plot events in The Miracle Worker.
What are some examples of challenges Helen Keller faced in the play?
Helen Keller faced challenges such as isolation due to her disabilities, frustration from being misunderstood, and learning to communicate, all of which are explored in The Miracle Worker.
More Storyboard That Activities
Miracle Worker, The
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