Activity Overview
Kit struggles to adjust to her new life in Wethersfield due to the culture shock she experiences. Although both Barbados and Connecticut are British colonies, the two could not be more different. Students can benefit from using storyboards to compare and contrast life in Kit’s two homes. Have students use one column of a T-chart to depict various aspects of life in Barbados. On the opposite side, they should depict contrasting aspects of Kit’s life in Wethersfield, CT. Students can use text below each scene to explain their observations. The sample storyboard shows possible topics for comparison.
The Witch of Blackbird Pond Setting Comparison
| Barbados | Connecticut |
|---|---|
| The climate in Barbados was tropical, and the plants were lush and brightly colored. | The climate in New England is much cooler than Barbados and includes a long, snowy winter. Connecticut has plenty of green plants, but few brightly colored flowers. |
| On Barbados, Kit lived a wealthy life with plenty of leisure time and slaves to serve her. | In Connecticut, Kit is expected to work hard every day, from dipping candles to weeding the crops. |
| In Barbados, Kit lived with her kind-hearted grandfather who loved her and doted on her. | In Wethersfield, Kit lives with her uncle Matthew who disapproves of her and lets her know she is unwelcome. Even her aunt and cousins are stressed by Kit’s arrival. |
| In Barbados, Kit lived a life filled with laughter and fun. She enjoyed reading literature, swimming, sailing, and watching plays. | In Wethersfield, the Puritan culture frowns on fun. Their community has strict rules and does not approve of most non-religious books and activities. |
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 comparing and contrasting the settings in The Witch of Blackbird Pond.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In one column, describe the traits and characteristics of one setting in the novel.
- In the other column, describe the traits and characteristics of the second setting that are the same or different.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
- Click "Save & Exit" when done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison Analysis | Text and images include a clear explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics. These comparisons go beyond superficial elements and show strong understanding. | Text and images include an explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics, but the explanation may lack clarity or show only superficial understanding in some squares. | Text and images may include no explanation of similarities and/or differences, or they may make only superficial or inaccurate comparisons. |
| Storyboard Image and Effort | Student clearly shows effort to convey the setting, characters and specific scene of the book. The scene is clearly identifiable based on the graphic depiction. | Student attempts to convey the setting, characters, and specific scene through use of graphics, but the depiction may be confusing, disordered, or lack some detail. | Student does not clearly convey the setting, characters, and scene. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes one or two minor errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar. |
Activity Overview
Kit struggles to adjust to her new life in Wethersfield due to the culture shock she experiences. Although both Barbados and Connecticut are British colonies, the two could not be more different. Students can benefit from using storyboards to compare and contrast life in Kit’s two homes. Have students use one column of a T-chart to depict various aspects of life in Barbados. On the opposite side, they should depict contrasting aspects of Kit’s life in Wethersfield, CT. Students can use text below each scene to explain their observations. The sample storyboard shows possible topics for comparison.
The Witch of Blackbird Pond Setting Comparison
| Barbados | Connecticut |
|---|---|
| The climate in Barbados was tropical, and the plants were lush and brightly colored. | The climate in New England is much cooler than Barbados and includes a long, snowy winter. Connecticut has plenty of green plants, but few brightly colored flowers. |
| On Barbados, Kit lived a wealthy life with plenty of leisure time and slaves to serve her. | In Connecticut, Kit is expected to work hard every day, from dipping candles to weeding the crops. |
| In Barbados, Kit lived with her kind-hearted grandfather who loved her and doted on her. | In Wethersfield, Kit lives with her uncle Matthew who disapproves of her and lets her know she is unwelcome. Even her aunt and cousins are stressed by Kit’s arrival. |
| In Barbados, Kit lived a life filled with laughter and fun. She enjoyed reading literature, swimming, sailing, and watching plays. | In Wethersfield, the Puritan culture frowns on fun. Their community has strict rules and does not approve of most non-religious books and activities. |
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 comparing and contrasting the settings in The Witch of Blackbird Pond.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In one column, describe the traits and characteristics of one setting in the novel.
- In the other column, describe the traits and characteristics of the second setting that are the same or different.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
- Click "Save & Exit" when done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison Analysis | Text and images include a clear explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics. These comparisons go beyond superficial elements and show strong understanding. | Text and images include an explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics, but the explanation may lack clarity or show only superficial understanding in some squares. | Text and images may include no explanation of similarities and/or differences, or they may make only superficial or inaccurate comparisons. |
| Storyboard Image and Effort | Student clearly shows effort to convey the setting, characters and specific scene of the book. The scene is clearly identifiable based on the graphic depiction. | Student attempts to convey the setting, characters, and specific scene through use of graphics, but the depiction may be confusing, disordered, or lack some detail. | Student does not clearly convey the setting, characters, and scene. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes one or two minor errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar. |
How Tos about The Witch of Blackbird Pond: Compare Settings
Introduce the settings of Barbados and Connecticut with engaging visuals
Begin your lesson by displaying vivid images or illustrations of both Barbados and Connecticut. Use maps, photos, or digital slides to help students visualize the stark differences in climate, landscape, and culture. This creates excitement and activates prior knowledge before reading.
Guide students to brainstorm setting details from the text
Encourage students to recall and list descriptive words or phrases from the novel about each setting. Work as a whole class or in small groups to capture sensory details, living conditions, and community rules. This helps deepen their understanding of the story’s environments.
Model how to compare and contrast settings using a T-chart
Demonstrate filling in a T-chart with key differences and similarities between Barbados and Connecticut. Write examples on the board and explain why each detail matters to Kit’s experience. This visual support makes the comparison process clear and accessible.
Assign students to create illustrated setting comparison posters
Have students work individually or in pairs to design posters that compare Barbados and Connecticut. Ask them to include drawings, text evidence, and brief explanations for each side. This creative activity reinforces comprehension and supports diverse learners.
Facilitate a class discussion on how setting shapes character choices
Lead a conversation about how the contrasting settings influence Kit’s behavior and relationships. Prompt students to use examples from their posters or the text to support their ideas. This builds critical thinking and text-to-self connections.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Witch of Blackbird Pond: Compare Settings
How can students compare the settings of Barbados and Connecticut in The Witch of Blackbird Pond?
Students can compare the settings by creating a T-chart or storyboard that highlights differences in climate, lifestyle, family relationships, and culture between Barbados and Connecticut as described in the novel. This visual approach helps clarify Kit’s challenges adapting to her new home.
What are key differences between Kit’s life in Barbados and in Wethersfield, Connecticut?
Key differences include the tropical climate and leisure-filled, privileged life in Barbados versus the cold New England weather, strict Puritan values, and demanding daily chores in Connecticut. Kit also experiences different family dynamics and social expectations in each location.
What is a simple lesson plan for comparing settings in The Witch of Blackbird Pond?
A simple lesson plan involves having students create a T-chart or storyboard. Instruct them to list and illustrate traits of Barbados on one side and traits of Wethersfield, CT on the other, adding short explanations for each point of comparison.
Why is setting important in The Witch of Blackbird Pond?
The setting shapes Kit’s experiences and the novel’s conflict. The contrast between Barbados and Connecticut highlights her culture shock, challenges with Puritan norms, and ultimately, her personal growth.
What topics should students include when comparing settings in The Witch of Blackbird Pond?
Students should include climate, daily life, family relationships, social customs, and attitudes toward leisure or fun. These aspects reveal how Kit’s background clashes with her new environment in Wethersfield, CT.
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