Activity Overview
Nicky and his view on river life changes a lot throughout the story. In this activity, students work to identify how he and his view changes from the beginning of the story to the end. Students can work individually or in pairs to research and compile evidence. Students will describe the evidence they compiled about Nicky in the beginning on one side of a T-Chart, and the evidence they discovered that has changed in the end on the other.
| Nicky at the Beginning | Nicky at the End |
|---|---|
|
|
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 Nicky at the beginning and at the end of The Raft.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- In the left column, describe how Nicky was at the beginning of the story.
- Illustrate the cell with appropriate dialogue, characters, scenes, and items.
- In the right column, describe Nicky at the end of the story.
- Illustrate the cell with appropriate dialogue, characters, scenes, and items.
- Click "Save & Exit" when done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Similarities | Student identifies and explains many of the similarities between the two. | Student identifies and explains some of the similarities between the two. | Student identifies and explains few of the similarities between the two. |
| Differences | Student identifies and explains many of the differences between the two. | Student identifies and explains some of the differences between the two. | Student identifies and explains few of the differences between the two. |
| Images | Images are clear and creative. | Most images are easy to understand, but at least two images do not fit. | Images are not easy to understand. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student makes few errors. | Student makes two or three errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar. |
Activity Overview
Nicky and his view on river life changes a lot throughout the story. In this activity, students work to identify how he and his view changes from the beginning of the story to the end. Students can work individually or in pairs to research and compile evidence. Students will describe the evidence they compiled about Nicky in the beginning on one side of a T-Chart, and the evidence they discovered that has changed in the end on the other.
| Nicky at the Beginning | Nicky at the End |
|---|---|
|
|
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 Nicky at the beginning and at the end of The Raft.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- In the left column, describe how Nicky was at the beginning of the story.
- Illustrate the cell with appropriate dialogue, characters, scenes, and items.
- In the right column, describe Nicky at the end of the story.
- Illustrate the cell with appropriate dialogue, characters, scenes, and items.
- Click "Save & Exit" when done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Similarities | Student identifies and explains many of the similarities between the two. | Student identifies and explains some of the similarities between the two. | Student identifies and explains few of the similarities between the two. |
| Differences | Student identifies and explains many of the differences between the two. | Student identifies and explains some of the differences between the two. | Student identifies and explains few of the differences between the two. |
| Images | Images are clear and creative. | Most images are easy to understand, but at least two images do not fit. | Images are not easy to understand. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student makes few errors. | Student makes two or three errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar. |
How Tos about Character Evolution in The Raft
How to facilitate a class discussion on character change in 'The Raft'
Begin by gathering students and asking open-ended questions about Nicky's feelings at the start and end of the story. Encourage everyone to share their thoughts and use specific examples from the text. Guide the conversation so students compare observations and connect Nicky’s changes to their own experiences with trying new things.
Prompt students to cite text evidence for each change
Ask students to find direct quotes or moments that show Nicky’s feelings at the beginning and end. Have them write or share these examples, explaining how each piece supports their ideas about character change.
Use visuals to track Nicky’s transformation
Draw a large T-Chart on the board or use chart paper. Invite students to add sticky notes or drawings to each side as they find evidence. This collaborative visual helps everyone see the contrast and progression clearly.
Connect character growth to personal experiences
After discussing Nicky’s changes, ask students to reflect on a time they changed their mind or learned something new. Encourage sharing in pairs or with the whole class to deepen understanding of character evolution.
Frequently Asked Questions about Character Evolution in The Raft
What is character evolution in 'The Raft'?
Character evolution in 'The Raft' refers to how Nicky changes his attitudes and behaviors from the start to the end of the story, especially in his views about river life and spending time with his grandma.
How does Nicky's attitude change from the beginning to the end of 'The Raft'?
At first, Nicky dislikes going to his grandma's and prefers TV, but by the end, he enjoys the river, appreciates nature, and bonds with his grandma, becoming more positive and adventurous.
What is a simple activity to help students compare Nicky at the beginning and end of 'The Raft'?
Students can use a T-Chart or storyboard to list and illustrate Nicky's traits at the start and end of the story, showing how his feelings and actions evolve.
Why is it important to teach character change using 'The Raft'?
Teaching character change with 'The Raft' helps students understand personal growth, empathy, and the impact of experiences, making reading more meaningful and relatable.
What are some key examples of Nicky's transformation in 'The Raft'?
Key examples include Nicky going from not wanting to visit his grandma to loving river life, from being upset about chores to enjoying drawing, and from frustration to respect for nature.
More Storyboard That Activities
Raft, The
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
