Activity Overview
Having students choose a favorite quote or scene from the book allows them to express which parts of the story resonated with them on a personal level. In this way, students are making a text-to-self connection that demonstrates their understanding of the characters and their development or the themes of the novel. Students can share their storyboards afterwards and have a short discussion about what the quotes mean to them.
Some students may end up choosing the same quote, but have different perspectives. This is always interesting for students to see and can open up a discussion as to how not everyone can read the same lines in the same way based on their own perspectives and personal experiences.
Examples of Quotes from The Wish Giver
"Here in Coven Tree we're no strangers to magic. I'm not talking about the rabbit-from-a-hat or coin-up-the-sleeve variety, either. I mean REAL magic."
"He put me in mind of Santa Claus, shaved and dressed for warm weather."
"'I want ever so badly to be liked ... and not just by Leland and Lenora either. I want people to greet me and not walk on the other side of the street whenever they set eyes on me. And especially, I want Agatha Benthorn to invite me to her house for tea ... I'm wishing that people will pay attention to me. And smile when they see me ... ...'"
"The time was, Agatha, when I'd have crawled to this house on hands and knees if I thought you'd invite me inside. But that time is over. I'm my own person now. So I bid you ... good-bye."
"Oh, Henry, whatever happened to all the nice things you used to tell me ... if I'm at all special to you ... ?"
"Special? That's a laugh, I'd have said you were Cleopatra if that's what I had to do. Anything so you'd tell your papa how nice I was and I could sell him more machinery!"
"Rowena Jervis, I've already been waiting for you a long time. But until now, you only had eyes for Henry Piper. Yes, Rowena, I'll wait. Take all the time you need. And when you're ready for me, you'll find me waiting still."
"I wish ... " he began. "I wish we had water all over this farm. Enough for washing and cooking and drinking and for the crops, and ... and with plenty to spare, too!"
"Well, maybe some good did come of the wish cards after all. Polly Kemp spends a lot more of her time saying what she likes about people rather than what's wrong with them ... she's got a lot more friends in school now, too."
"As far as I know, Thaddeus Blinn is still out there, roaming the highways and byways of this land of ours."
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 storyboard that identifies your favorite quote or scene in The Wish Giver. Illustrate your quote and write what it means to you.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a favorite quote or scene from The Wish Giver.
- Create an image that represents this quote using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
- In the description box, write the quote and at least one sentence about what this quote means to you.
Requirements: Quote or Scene, Illustration, 1-2 sentences about what it means to you.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The explanation of what the quote means to the student is clear and at least two sentences. | The explanation of what the quote means to the student can be understood but it is somewhat unclear. | The explanation of what the quote means to the student is unclear and is not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustration represents the quote or explanation using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustration relates to the quote or explanation, but is difficult to understand. | The illustration does not clearly relate to the quote or the explanation. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
Having students choose a favorite quote or scene from the book allows them to express which parts of the story resonated with them on a personal level. In this way, students are making a text-to-self connection that demonstrates their understanding of the characters and their development or the themes of the novel. Students can share their storyboards afterwards and have a short discussion about what the quotes mean to them.
Some students may end up choosing the same quote, but have different perspectives. This is always interesting for students to see and can open up a discussion as to how not everyone can read the same lines in the same way based on their own perspectives and personal experiences.
Examples of Quotes from The Wish Giver
"Here in Coven Tree we're no strangers to magic. I'm not talking about the rabbit-from-a-hat or coin-up-the-sleeve variety, either. I mean REAL magic."
"He put me in mind of Santa Claus, shaved and dressed for warm weather."
"'I want ever so badly to be liked ... and not just by Leland and Lenora either. I want people to greet me and not walk on the other side of the street whenever they set eyes on me. And especially, I want Agatha Benthorn to invite me to her house for tea ... I'm wishing that people will pay attention to me. And smile when they see me ... ...'"
"The time was, Agatha, when I'd have crawled to this house on hands and knees if I thought you'd invite me inside. But that time is over. I'm my own person now. So I bid you ... good-bye."
"Oh, Henry, whatever happened to all the nice things you used to tell me ... if I'm at all special to you ... ?"
"Special? That's a laugh, I'd have said you were Cleopatra if that's what I had to do. Anything so you'd tell your papa how nice I was and I could sell him more machinery!"
"Rowena Jervis, I've already been waiting for you a long time. But until now, you only had eyes for Henry Piper. Yes, Rowena, I'll wait. Take all the time you need. And when you're ready for me, you'll find me waiting still."
"I wish ... " he began. "I wish we had water all over this farm. Enough for washing and cooking and drinking and for the crops, and ... and with plenty to spare, too!"
"Well, maybe some good did come of the wish cards after all. Polly Kemp spends a lot more of her time saying what she likes about people rather than what's wrong with them ... she's got a lot more friends in school now, too."
"As far as I know, Thaddeus Blinn is still out there, roaming the highways and byways of this land of ours."
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 storyboard that identifies your favorite quote or scene in The Wish Giver. Illustrate your quote and write what it means to you.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a favorite quote or scene from The Wish Giver.
- Create an image that represents this quote using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
- In the description box, write the quote and at least one sentence about what this quote means to you.
Requirements: Quote or Scene, Illustration, 1-2 sentences about what it means to you.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The explanation of what the quote means to the student is clear and at least two sentences. | The explanation of what the quote means to the student can be understood but it is somewhat unclear. | The explanation of what the quote means to the student is unclear and is not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustration represents the quote or explanation using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustration relates to the quote or explanation, but is difficult to understand. | The illustration does not clearly relate to the quote or the explanation. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Favorite Quote from The Wish Giver
Engage students in meaningful quote discussions after storyboarding
Facilitate a focused class conversation where students explain why they chose their quotes and what those lines mean to them. This encourages active listening and helps students understand multiple perspectives.
Encourage respectful listening and sharing among students
Set clear expectations for students to listen attentively when classmates share, and to respond with positive, supportive comments. Model how to ask follow-up questions that deepen understanding.
Connect quotes to broader themes or character growth
Guide students to link their chosen quotes to the book’s themes or character development. Ask questions like, “How does this quote show a character’s change?” to prompt deeper thinking.
Incorporate a quick reflective writing activity after sharing
Have students jot down one new idea or perspective they heard from a classmate. This reinforces active engagement and helps students process different viewpoints.
Display quotes and illustrations to celebrate student insights
Create a class bulletin board or digital slideshow featuring students’ favorite quotes and artwork. This showcases their creativity and fosters a sense of pride in their work.
Frequently Asked Questions about Favorite Quote from The Wish Giver
What is a good quote from The Wish Giver for students to use in a lesson?
A memorable quote from The Wish Giver is: "Here in Coven Tree we're no strangers to magic. I'm not talking about the rabbit-from-a-hat or coin-up-the-sleeve variety, either. I mean REAL magic." This quote captures the novel's magical theme and is great for student activities.
How can I help students make personal connections to The Wish Giver?
Encourage students to choose a favorite quote or scene and explain what it means to them. This helps them relate the story to their own lives and fosters deeper understanding.
What is a quick classroom activity for The Wish Giver?
Have students create a storyboard of their favorite quote or scene, illustrate it, and write a short explanation of its meaning. This activity is engaging and easy to implement.
Why is discussing different student perspectives on quotes from The Wish Giver valuable?
Sharing interpretations of the same quote helps students see how personal experiences shape understanding, promoting empathy and discussion.
What are the requirements for a The Wish Giver storyboard assignment?
Students should include a quote or scene from the book, an illustration, and 1-2 sentences explaining what it means to them.
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