Activity Overview
The setting of a story is the location and time, or the where and when. Settings often play a crucial role almost as if they are another character in the book, as is the case in the book Three Times Lucky. Mo LoBeau lives in the sleepy town of Tupelo Landing, North Carolina, which has a population of 148. Everyone knows everyone and nobody can do anything without the entire town hearing about it. When the small town experiences an unsolved mystery, Mo is on the case! There are different parts of the small town that act as possible clues in the case. In this activity, students will map the different settings in the book, including illustrations to support their answers.
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 identifying the different settings in the book Three Times Lucky.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the settings in Three Times Lucky.
- Add appropriate scenes, items, textables, etc. to illustrate each setting.
- Write a description for each cell.
- Save and exit when you're done.
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
The setting of a story is the location and time, or the where and when. Settings often play a crucial role almost as if they are another character in the book, as is the case in the book Three Times Lucky. Mo LoBeau lives in the sleepy town of Tupelo Landing, North Carolina, which has a population of 148. Everyone knows everyone and nobody can do anything without the entire town hearing about it. When the small town experiences an unsolved mystery, Mo is on the case! There are different parts of the small town that act as possible clues in the case. In this activity, students will map the different settings in the book, including illustrations to support their answers.
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 identifying the different settings in the book Three Times Lucky.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the settings in Three Times Lucky.
- Add appropriate scenes, items, textables, etc. to illustrate each setting.
- Write a description for each cell.
- Save and exit when you're done.
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 Setting in Three Times Lucky
Incorporate setting analysis into class discussions
Invite students to share how the setting influences characters’ choices and story events. Use targeted questions to help them connect details from the setting to plot developments, deepening their reading comprehension.
Facilitate small group setting exploration
Divide your class into groups and assign each a different location from the book. Have them analyze clues, describe the mood, and present how their setting impacts the mystery, promoting collaboration and critical thinking.
Encourage students to create sensory setting descriptions
Guide students to imagine being in Tupelo Landing and write short passages using all five senses. This helps them visualize the setting and supports richer, more descriptive writing skills.
Connect the book’s setting to students’ real-life experiences
Ask students to compare Tupelo Landing to their own hometowns or neighborhoods. Lead a discussion or writing activity that relates book settings to familiar places, making the lesson personally meaningful.
Frequently Asked Questions about Setting in Three Times Lucky
What is the setting of Three Times Lucky?
The setting of Three Times Lucky is the small, close-knit town of Tupelo Landing, North Carolina, where everyone knows each other and unexpected mysteries unfold.
How does the setting influence the story in Three Times Lucky?
The setting shapes the story by creating a tight community where secrets are hard to keep, making the mystery more intriguing and involving all the unique townspeople in the plot.
What are some important locations in Three Times Lucky for a setting map?
Key locations include the Colonel’s café, Mo’s home, the school, and various spots around Tupelo Landing that serve as clues in the mystery, all of which are great for illustrating on a setting map.
How can students create a setting map for Three Times Lucky?
Students can make a setting map by identifying main locations in the story, drawing or using images for each, and writing brief descriptions that explain their importance to the plot.
Why is the setting in Three Times Lucky considered almost like a character?
The setting acts almost like a character because the town’s atmosphere, gossip, and close relationships directly impact the story’s events and the actions of Mo and other residents.
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