Activity Overview
The close-reading envelope assignment is a great way to get students from all levels to focus on important themes, ideas, and character developments within a novel. Storyboarding the results can help take this strategy to a whole new level!
Teachers should hand out an envelope to each student that is only identified by a number. Inside the envelope, there should be index cards and a slip of paper that tells the student what his or her assigned topic is. This topic will be the student’s responsibility to track and report throughout the course of the chosen novel. The student will write the quote or a summary of where the example of their topic appears, and then an explanation of how the quote or summary relates to the topic.
With Storyboard That, the students can keep track of their findings visually, too. For each topic, have students visually depict a scene of their chosen example from the novel, and underneath, explain how it relates to their topic. Some topics to consider using for A Thousand Splendid Suns include:
- Examine how Mariam’s sense of self changes throughout the novel
- Trace the treatment of women in Afghanistan throughout each of the regime changes
- How does physiognomy play a role in character development?
- Trace the theme of violence as it appears throughout the novel
- Trace the themes of honor and pride as they appear throughout the novel
- Examine the role of the importance of education in the novel
An example of an Envelope Assignment for half of A Thousand Splendid Suns is depicted in the example storyboard.
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: Complete an envelope analysis of A Thousand Splendid Suns.
Student Instructions:
- Identify scenes that fit with your assigned topic. Note their page numbers in the title box.
- Create an image for each scene using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
- Write a description of how the scene fits the topic.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
The close-reading envelope assignment is a great way to get students from all levels to focus on important themes, ideas, and character developments within a novel. Storyboarding the results can help take this strategy to a whole new level!
Teachers should hand out an envelope to each student that is only identified by a number. Inside the envelope, there should be index cards and a slip of paper that tells the student what his or her assigned topic is. This topic will be the student’s responsibility to track and report throughout the course of the chosen novel. The student will write the quote or a summary of where the example of their topic appears, and then an explanation of how the quote or summary relates to the topic.
With Storyboard That, the students can keep track of their findings visually, too. For each topic, have students visually depict a scene of their chosen example from the novel, and underneath, explain how it relates to their topic. Some topics to consider using for A Thousand Splendid Suns include:
- Examine how Mariam’s sense of self changes throughout the novel
- Trace the treatment of women in Afghanistan throughout each of the regime changes
- How does physiognomy play a role in character development?
- Trace the theme of violence as it appears throughout the novel
- Trace the themes of honor and pride as they appear throughout the novel
- Examine the role of the importance of education in the novel
An example of an Envelope Assignment for half of A Thousand Splendid Suns is depicted in the example storyboard.
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: Complete an envelope analysis of A Thousand Splendid Suns.
Student Instructions:
- Identify scenes that fit with your assigned topic. Note their page numbers in the title box.
- Create an image for each scene using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
- Write a description of how the scene fits the topic.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about A Thousand Splendid Suns Close-Reading Envelope Assignment
Incorporate student choice into close-reading envelope assignments
Allowing students to select their own focus topics fosters ownership and engagement with the novel. Provide a menu of approved themes or character arcs, and let students choose which interests them most, ensuring that all major topics are still covered in the class.
Set clear guidelines for topic tracking
Give students a checklist or rubric outlining what details to track (such as page numbers, quotes, and connections to the topic). This provides structure and helps students stay focused and organized during reading.
Model how to analyze a quote or scene
Demonstrate with a think-aloud how to select a meaningful quote or scene and connect it to the chosen topic. This models critical thinking and shows students how to make their analysis specific and insightful.
Encourage visual representation of findings
Invite students to create simple drawings, digital storyboards, or diagrams to illustrate key scenes related to their topic. Visuals support comprehension and make the analysis more engaging for every learner.
Facilitate peer sharing and feedback
Set aside time for students to present their findings or visuals to partners or small groups. Structured peer feedback helps students refine their analysis and see the novel from new perspectives.
Frequently Asked Questions about A Thousand Splendid Suns Close-Reading Envelope Assignment
What is a close-reading envelope assignment for A Thousand Splendid Suns?
A close-reading envelope assignment is an engaging classroom activity where each student receives an envelope with a specific theme or topic to track while reading A Thousand Splendid Suns. Students gather quotes or summaries linked to their topic, then explain how these relate to the novel's themes, often using index cards and visual storyboards.
How do you set up a close-reading envelope activity for high school students?
To set up this activity, give each student an envelope containing index cards and an assigned topic. As they read the novel, students collect relevant examples, record page numbers, and write brief explanations. Adding a visual component, like storyboarding, can help students better analyze and present their findings.
What are some good topics for a close-reading assignment on A Thousand Splendid Suns?
Effective topics include Mariam’s character development, the treatment of women across different regimes, the theme of violence, honor and pride, importance of education, and the role of physiognomy in the novel. These topics encourage deep analysis and meaningful discussion.
Why use storyboarding with close-reading envelope assignments?
Storyboarding helps students visualize key scenes and connect textual evidence to their assigned topics. This approach supports diverse learning styles, promotes creativity, and deepens understanding of complex literary elements in A Thousand Splendid Suns.
What are the benefits of using close-reading envelope assignments in the classroom?
Close-reading envelope assignments foster critical thinking, encourage student engagement, and help learners track recurring themes or character arcs. They also provide structure for analysis and can be adapted for individual or partner work, making them ideal for differentiated instruction.
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A Thousand Splendid Suns
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