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 Three Times Lucky
“My heart leaped like the cheerleader I will never be.”
“We can't change the past, Soldier. We can only be grateful for the life of a new day, and move on.”
“I never forgive. I like revenge too much.”
“You what?" Dale yelped, looking like I'd handed him something dead. "You ain't writing during summer vacation, are you? I'm pretty sure that's against the rules.”
“Except for that, everything's going great. Well....there's been a murder and we're out of soup.”
“I'm Baptist. So far, Fast or Never is the only speeds I got with forgiving.”
“Dale can't tolerate other people throwing up. He gets what's known as the Synchronized Heaves.”
“Yes ma'am," I said, "Anna Celeste's party is Saturday, but I don't need a ride.... No ma'am. It's because Anna Celeste is my Sworn Enemy for Life and I'd rather go face-down in a plate of raw chicken entrails than go to her party. Plus I'm not invited....”
“As I watched them together, my earth found its axis and my stars found their sky.”
“Dale's family is like that. Let the Law come within twenty yards of them, and every male over the age of six--uncles, brother, father, cousins--starts lying his fool head off. Dale says it's genetic. Miss Lana says that's poppycock.”
“For me, it was a Gold Star day. I'd identified an enemy, and I'd made a life decision: I might come home tore up from fighting or late from being punished, but I'd never come home crying. So far, I ain't.”
“We got peanut butter and jelly, peanut butter and raisins, and a delicate peanut butter/peanut butter combination. These come crunchy or smooth, on Wonder Bread, hand-squished flat on the plate or not, as you prefer. The special today is our famous peanut butter and banana sandwich. It comes on Wonder Bread, cut diagonal on the plate, with crust or without. What can I start you with?”
“The Colonel says all attorneys should be named for blood sucking insects so we know up front who we are dealing with.”
“Dale can choose not to worry like he chooses not to wear socks.”
“We’re born over and over, day by day. When you feel lost, let the stars sing you to sleep. You’ll always wake up new.”
“You don't have a plan, do you? I knew it," he said, his eyes filling with tears. "I knew not to come to a ghost farm with you during a hurricane.”
“Is it true, then, Mayor?" Grandmother Miss Lacy Thornton warbled from the end of the counter. "Is Jesse Tatum officially dead?"
“They found Mr. Jesse in a boat?" I asked. "I'm wondering if maybe he just up and died. Maybe there ain't no murder. Like the fish weren't biting and he died of boredom. It happens. Boredom kills. I've had close brushes myself, during math.”
“Listen to me. We're born over and over, day by day. When you feel lost, let the stars sing you to sleep. You'll always wake up new.”
“Some people look like they were born on a clothes hanger. Not me. I look more like I was born in a dryer.”
“On hurricane days, when most women are filling their grocery carts with bread and milk, Miss Lana loads ours with candy, cakes, and tapered candles. If I die in the storm, I'll drift away in the arms of a sugar coma and candlelight, she always says.”
“If you like old cars detective, eastern North Carolina is perfect for you” he said smoothing his tie. “We have oodles of vintage vehicles around here, don’t we Colonel? In fact I like to think of them as one of poverty’s little perks.”
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 Three Times Lucky. Illustrate your quote and write what it means to you.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a favorite quote or scene from Three Times Lucky.
- 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 Three Times Lucky
“My heart leaped like the cheerleader I will never be.”
“We can't change the past, Soldier. We can only be grateful for the life of a new day, and move on.”
“I never forgive. I like revenge too much.”
“You what?" Dale yelped, looking like I'd handed him something dead. "You ain't writing during summer vacation, are you? I'm pretty sure that's against the rules.”
“Except for that, everything's going great. Well....there's been a murder and we're out of soup.”
“I'm Baptist. So far, Fast or Never is the only speeds I got with forgiving.”
“Dale can't tolerate other people throwing up. He gets what's known as the Synchronized Heaves.”
“Yes ma'am," I said, "Anna Celeste's party is Saturday, but I don't need a ride.... No ma'am. It's because Anna Celeste is my Sworn Enemy for Life and I'd rather go face-down in a plate of raw chicken entrails than go to her party. Plus I'm not invited....”
“As I watched them together, my earth found its axis and my stars found their sky.”
“Dale's family is like that. Let the Law come within twenty yards of them, and every male over the age of six--uncles, brother, father, cousins--starts lying his fool head off. Dale says it's genetic. Miss Lana says that's poppycock.”
“For me, it was a Gold Star day. I'd identified an enemy, and I'd made a life decision: I might come home tore up from fighting or late from being punished, but I'd never come home crying. So far, I ain't.”
“We got peanut butter and jelly, peanut butter and raisins, and a delicate peanut butter/peanut butter combination. These come crunchy or smooth, on Wonder Bread, hand-squished flat on the plate or not, as you prefer. The special today is our famous peanut butter and banana sandwich. It comes on Wonder Bread, cut diagonal on the plate, with crust or without. What can I start you with?”
“The Colonel says all attorneys should be named for blood sucking insects so we know up front who we are dealing with.”
“Dale can choose not to worry like he chooses not to wear socks.”
“We’re born over and over, day by day. When you feel lost, let the stars sing you to sleep. You’ll always wake up new.”
“You don't have a plan, do you? I knew it," he said, his eyes filling with tears. "I knew not to come to a ghost farm with you during a hurricane.”
“Is it true, then, Mayor?" Grandmother Miss Lacy Thornton warbled from the end of the counter. "Is Jesse Tatum officially dead?"
“They found Mr. Jesse in a boat?" I asked. "I'm wondering if maybe he just up and died. Maybe there ain't no murder. Like the fish weren't biting and he died of boredom. It happens. Boredom kills. I've had close brushes myself, during math.”
“Listen to me. We're born over and over, day by day. When you feel lost, let the stars sing you to sleep. You'll always wake up new.”
“Some people look like they were born on a clothes hanger. Not me. I look more like I was born in a dryer.”
“On hurricane days, when most women are filling their grocery carts with bread and milk, Miss Lana loads ours with candy, cakes, and tapered candles. If I die in the storm, I'll drift away in the arms of a sugar coma and candlelight, she always says.”
“If you like old cars detective, eastern North Carolina is perfect for you” he said smoothing his tie. “We have oodles of vintage vehicles around here, don’t we Colonel? In fact I like to think of them as one of poverty’s little perks.”
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 Three Times Lucky. Illustrate your quote and write what it means to you.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a favorite quote or scene from Three Times Lucky.
- 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 Three Times Lucky
Engage students in meaningful quote discussions
Invite students to share their chosen quotes in small groups or as a class. Encourage respectful listening and allow each student to explain why their quote resonates with them. This creates a sense of belonging and helps students see different perspectives.
Model thinking aloud about a favorite quote
Select a quote from the book and think aloud about why it stands out to you. Share personal connections, emotions, or memories it brings up. This demonstrates how to make text-to-self connections and sets expectations for student reflections.
Guide students to illustrate their quotes with purpose
Encourage students to use specific details from the book when creating their illustrations. Remind them to include characters, settings, or objects that emphasize the meaning of their quote for a more thoughtful and unique storyboard.
Support students in writing meaningful reflections
Prompt students to explain why they chose their quote and how it connects to their own lives. Offer sentence starters like, “This quote matters to me because…” or “This reminds me of…” to help students write deeper reflections.
Celebrate diverse interpretations through a class gallery walk
Display student storyboards around the classroom and organize a gallery walk. Invite students to view each other's work and leave positive feedback. This fosters appreciation for different viewpoints and builds classroom community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Favorite Quote from Three Times Lucky
What are some memorable quotes from Three Times Lucky?
Three Times Lucky features many memorable quotes that capture its humor and heart. Examples include: “My heart leaped like the cheerleader I will never be,” and “We can't change the past, Soldier. We can only be grateful for the life of a new day, and move on.” These quotes reflect the novel’s unique voice and themes.
How can students connect personally with quotes from Three Times Lucky?
Students can make a text-to-self connection by choosing a favorite quote and reflecting on why it resonates with them. This activity deepens understanding of the characters and themes, and encourages sharing different perspectives in class discussions.
What is a simple classroom activity for exploring quotes in Three Times Lucky?
A quick and engaging activity is to have students select a favorite quote or scene, illustrate it, and write 1–2 sentences about its meaning to them. Sharing these storyboards in small groups sparks discussion and personal connections.
Why is it valuable for students to discuss their favorite quotes from a novel?
Discussing favorite quotes helps students see multiple perspectives and understand how personal experiences shape interpretations. It builds empathy and critical thinking as students explain their choices and listen to others.
How can I assess student understanding using favorite quote activities?
Assess understanding by checking if students accurately select, illustrate, and explain a quote or scene. Look for thoughtful connections and clear explanations of why the quote is meaningful, showing comprehension of the text.
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