Activity Overview
A great way for your students to practice determining a story’s setting is for them to make a visual storyboard depicting where each chapter takes place.
In this activity, students will choose a chapter and decide on the setting. They will create the setting using the storyboard art. In the storyboard, each setting should be visually represented, along with an explanation of the scene. Details, characters, and textual evidence can be added to reinforce the setting.
Here is an example:
Chapter 1: The Pudding Like a Night on the Sea
The setting of Chapter 1 is in the kitchen. The story begins in the kitchen with the dad making pudding. The story ends in the kitchen when the dad punishes the boys for eating the pudding by having them make a new one.
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 settings in each chapter of The Stories Julian Tells.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Describe the setting of each chapter and the scene that takes place there.
- Illustrate the setting/scene 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
A great way for your students to practice determining a story’s setting is for them to make a visual storyboard depicting where each chapter takes place.
In this activity, students will choose a chapter and decide on the setting. They will create the setting using the storyboard art. In the storyboard, each setting should be visually represented, along with an explanation of the scene. Details, characters, and textual evidence can be added to reinforce the setting.
Here is an example:
Chapter 1: The Pudding Like a Night on the Sea
The setting of Chapter 1 is in the kitchen. The story begins in the kitchen with the dad making pudding. The story ends in the kitchen when the dad punishes the boys for eating the pudding by having them make a new one.
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 settings in each chapter of The Stories Julian Tells.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Describe the setting of each chapter and the scene that takes place there.
- Illustrate the setting/scene 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 The Stories Julian Tells Setting Map
How to facilitate a classroom discussion about story settings using student storyboards
Kick off a class discussion by having students present their storyboards and describe the settings they've illustrated. This encourages students to use evidence from the text and helps others visualize different scenes.
Prompt students to ask questions about each other's setting choices
Encourage students to ask classmates why they chose certain details or locations. This helps deepen comprehension and sparks respectful dialogue about textual evidence and interpretation.
Compare and contrast different settings from the story as a group
Guide students to identify similarities and differences between settings. Use a chart or board to list features, helping students see patterns and understand how settings influence the story.
Connect story settings to students’ real-life experiences
Ask students to relate one of Julian's settings to a place they know. This builds empathy and personal connection to the text, making the story more meaningful.
Wrap up by reflecting on how settings shape the story’s events
Lead a closing reflection about how each setting affected the characters and plot. Encourage students to consider why the author chose specific places and how those choices impact the story’s message.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Stories Julian Tells Setting Map
What is a setting map for 'The Stories Julian Tells'?
A setting map for 'The Stories Julian Tells' is a visual organizer where students illustrate and describe the locations where each chapter takes place. This helps students understand the story’s setting and how it influences the plot and characters.
How can students create a storyboard to show settings in 'The Stories Julian Tells'?
Students can create a storyboard by choosing a chapter, identifying its setting, and then drawing scenes with characters and important details. Adding textual evidence and explanations strengthens their understanding of each setting.
What are some tips for helping students identify story settings in each chapter?
Encourage students to look for clues in the text, such as descriptions of places, objects, and actions. Have them discuss their ideas and use visuals to reinforce comprehension of each setting.
Why is mapping the setting of a story important for 3rd and 4th graders?
Mapping the setting helps 3rd and 4th graders improve reading comprehension, visualize the story, and connect details from the text to real-life experiences, making literature more engaging and meaningful.
Can this setting map activity be done with partners or does it work best individually?
This setting map activity works well both individually and with partners. Collaborative work can spark discussion and creativity, while individual work allows for personal interpretation and deeper focus.
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