Activity Overview
The people and things that we love tell a great deal about ourselves. This activity is a chance for students to reflect on themselves and their likes, but also on the most important things to them. While many students will certainly choose family or favorite things, as I did, students will undoubtedly come to recognize people or things that have immense personal value. This is a beneficial brainstorming activity to solicit ideas for personal narratives, authority/expert writing, poetry topics, and more!
A spider map template works very well with this activity because there is less emphasis on ordering than there is in a list. The Frayer Model template works similarly well, but you are limited to exactly four items.
What does my storyboard tell you (or your students) about me? What new things did your students learn about each other after this activity? Let me know on Twitter! @AnnaMYWarfield
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
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write what you like in the headings.
- Create an illustration for each, using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visualizations | Images show creativity and care. | Scenes, characters, and items are appropriate for this purpose. | Images are confusing or do not make sense for this purpose. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. |
Activity Overview
The people and things that we love tell a great deal about ourselves. This activity is a chance for students to reflect on themselves and their likes, but also on the most important things to them. While many students will certainly choose family or favorite things, as I did, students will undoubtedly come to recognize people or things that have immense personal value. This is a beneficial brainstorming activity to solicit ideas for personal narratives, authority/expert writing, poetry topics, and more!
A spider map template works very well with this activity because there is less emphasis on ordering than there is in a list. The Frayer Model template works similarly well, but you are limited to exactly four items.
What does my storyboard tell you (or your students) about me? What new things did your students learn about each other after this activity? Let me know on Twitter! @AnnaMYWarfield
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
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write what you like in the headings.
- Create an illustration for each, using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visualizations | Images show creativity and care. | Scenes, characters, and items are appropriate for this purpose. | Images are confusing or do not make sense for this purpose. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. |
How Tos about Things I Love...
Organize a class discussion to share 'Things I Love' maps
Encourage students to present their spider maps in a supportive group setting. Foster respectful listening by guiding classmates to ask thoughtful questions and share positive feedback. This builds empathy and helps students learn more about each other.
Model your own 'Things I Love' map as an example
Start by creating and displaying your own spider map with personal favorites and values. Explain your choices, and use it to demonstrate how to reflect on what matters most. This sets a supportive tone and encourages students to open up.
Guide students to brainstorm beyond obvious choices
Prompt students to think deeper about the people, experiences, or values that are important to them—not just objects or family. Ask open-ended questions to spark ideas and challenge students to reflect on unique passions.
Incorporate peer feedback for positive reinforcement
Organize a gallery walk or small group sharing where students give compliments or ask questions about each other's maps. This builds classroom community and helps students appreciate diversity in interests and backgrounds.
Connect 'Things I Love' maps to future writing projects
Show students how their ideas can inspire personal narratives, poems, or expert writing. Refer back to the maps throughout the year when brainstorming topics, making the activity a valuable classroom resource.
Frequently Asked Questions about Things I Love...
What is the 'Things I Love' classroom activity?
The 'Things I Love' activity encourages students to reflect on their favorite people, items, or experiences by creating visual maps or lists. It's a simple way for students to share their interests and learn more about themselves and each other.
How can I use the 'Things I Love' activity to brainstorm personal narrative topics?
Use the 'Things I Love' activity as a brainstorming tool by having students list or illustrate their favorite things. These choices can inspire engaging topics for personal narratives, poetry, or expert writing assignments.
What templates work best for the 'Things I Love' lesson?
A spider map template works well for this activity, letting students freely organize their ideas. Alternatively, the Frayer Model template limits students to four items, providing structured focus.
Why is it important for students to reflect on the things they love?
Reflecting on personal interests helps students build self-awareness, develop empathy, and connect with peers. It also makes writing assignments more meaningful and engaging.
What grade levels can use the 'Things I Love' activity?
The 'Things I Love' activity is suitable for all K-12 grade levels, as it can be easily adapted for different ages and abilities.
More Storyboard That Activities
Valentine's Day Activities
- 20110729 moose closeup • schizoform • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Alaskan moose pair • USFWS Headquarters • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Art • T. Cowart • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Cathedral • Mike Kniec • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Claude Monet, Water Lilies (detail), 1914-17 • Sharon Mollerus • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Ganaché de chocolate • luisacontreras-87 • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Great Buddha • Jim Epler • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Islamic art • sadatshami • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Leonardo da Vinci self portrait, Chambord Castle, Loire Valley, France - The metallic stone effect is generated by computer • MAMJODH • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Mandala 2 • Bistrosavage • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- moose • ynskjen • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- moose • USFWS Headquarters • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Moose • azule • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Moose • ajaunty1 • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Rodin in Recife • marcusrg • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
