Activity Overview
A critical analysis asks students to analyze 1 or 2 specific topics from a text and evaluate the impact of that topic on the work as a whole, as well as the author’s effectiveness in expressing that topic throughout the work. In this activity, students will use the template provided to complete a critical analysis of The Stars Beneath Our Feet. The worksheets can be used as a preliminary way to organize information before a larger paper or on their own, and teachers can scaffold and modify as desired.
For additional templates to customize for this example, check out our critical analysis worksheet templates!
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: Form a critical analysis for The Stars Beneath Our Feet.
Student Instructions:
- Develop and write a thesis statement.
- Write a summary of 3-4 key events in the story.
- Analyze these events.
- Write a conclusion.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The writing is clear and uses complete sentences. The worksheet is complete and correct. | The writing is somewhat clear and uses some complete sentences. The worksheet is complete with some incorrect responses. | The worksheet is incomplete or mostly incorrect. |
| 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
A critical analysis asks students to analyze 1 or 2 specific topics from a text and evaluate the impact of that topic on the work as a whole, as well as the author’s effectiveness in expressing that topic throughout the work. In this activity, students will use the template provided to complete a critical analysis of The Stars Beneath Our Feet. The worksheets can be used as a preliminary way to organize information before a larger paper or on their own, and teachers can scaffold and modify as desired.
For additional templates to customize for this example, check out our critical analysis worksheet templates!
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: Form a critical analysis for The Stars Beneath Our Feet.
Student Instructions:
- Develop and write a thesis statement.
- Write a summary of 3-4 key events in the story.
- Analyze these events.
- Write a conclusion.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The writing is clear and uses complete sentences. The worksheet is complete and correct. | The writing is somewhat clear and uses some complete sentences. The worksheet is complete with some incorrect responses. | The worksheet is incomplete or mostly incorrect. |
| 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 The Stars Beneath Our Feet Critical Analysis
How to facilitate a class discussion on The Stars Beneath Our Feet
Encourage open dialogue by preparing 3–5 thought-provoking questions about the book’s central themes or characters. Invite students to share their opinions and back them up with evidence from the text. This builds critical thinking and helps students connect more deeply with the story.
Set clear discussion expectations
Explain that every student should listen respectfully, wait their turn, and support their ideas with examples from the book. Review these guidelines together before you begin. Clear expectations create a safe space for sharing and keep the discussion focused.
Assign student roles for engagement
Assign roles like discussion leader, note-taker, or summarizer to ensure everyone participates. Rotating roles each session helps students practice different communication and leadership skills.
Use anchor text quotes for analysis
Ask students to find and share short quotes from The Stars Beneath Our Feet that support their points. Using direct evidence encourages close reading and bolsters critical analysis skills.
Wrap up with a reflection activity
Invite students to reflect in writing or small groups on what they learned or how their perspectives changed. This step helps them synthesize ideas and reinforces the discussion’s value.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Stars Beneath Our Feet Critical Analysis
What is a critical analysis worksheet for The Stars Beneath Our Feet?
A critical analysis worksheet for The Stars Beneath Our Feet guides students through analyzing specific topics or themes from the novel, evaluating their impact on the story, and assessing the author’s effectiveness. It helps organize thoughts before writing a full paper or can be used as a stand-alone activity.
How do I teach critical analysis using The Stars Beneath Our Feet?
To teach critical analysis with The Stars Beneath Our Feet, provide students with a template to identify key events, develop a thesis, analyze the significance of those events, and write a conclusion. Scaffold the process and encourage students to support their opinions with evidence from the text.
What are some example topics to analyze in The Stars Beneath Our Feet?
Example topics to analyze in The Stars Beneath Our Feet include grief and loss, friendship, community support, and personal growth. Students can explore how these themes are developed and their impact on the main character’s journey.
Why is it important for middle school students to practice critical analysis?
Practicing critical analysis helps middle school students develop higher-order thinking skills, learn to support arguments with evidence, and engage more deeply with literature. It also prepares them for advanced writing and comprehension tasks in later grades.
Where can I find templates for critical analysis activities in ELA?
You can find customizable critical analysis worksheet templates for ELA online, including resources linked within this activity. These templates offer step-by-step prompts and are easily adapted for different novels and grade levels.
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Stars Beneath Our Feet, The
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