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https://www.test.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/welcome-to-nowhere-by-elizabeth-laird/allusions
Activity Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Rubric
Activity Overview Accordion Arrow

Activity Overview


Allusions are present throughout the novel, Welcome to Nowhere, referencing actual people, places, literature, TV, movies, music, movements and events. For this activity, students will create a storyboard that identifies allusions found in Welcome to Nowhere.



Example Allusions in Welcome to Nowhere

Syrian Civil War
The Syrian civil war is an ongoing multi-sided civil war in Syria fought between the Syrian Arab Republic and various domestic and foreign forces.


Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman Empire was an empire that controlled much of Southeastern Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa between the 14th and early 20th centuries. It was founded at the end of the 13th century in northwestern Anatolia.


United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is a UN agency mandated to aid and protect refugees, and stateless people, and to assist in their voluntary repatriation, or resettlement to a third country.


Majid Comics
Majid is a pan-Arab comic book anthology and children's magazine.



Template and Class Instructions Accordion Arrow

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 allusions present in Welcome to Nowhere (references to actual people, places, events or works of art or literature). Illustrate instances of each allusion and write a short description below each cell.

Student Instructions:

  1. Click "Start Assignment".
  2. Identify the allusions from Welcome to Nowhere you wish to include and write them in the title.
  3. Create an image for an example that represents this allusion using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
  4. Write a description of each of the examples.

Lesson Plan Reference

Switch to: Common CoreArizonaCaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIowaKansasMarylandMassachusettsNebraskaNew JerseyNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaPennsylvaniaUtah

Rubric Accordion Arrow

Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)


Allusions in a Story
As we read and discuss, identify and track the different allusions that appear in the book. Look for references to real people, places, events and works of art or literature. For each allusion, create a scene and description that depicts the original meaning of the allusion, along with how it is connected to the story.
Proficient
33 Points
Emerging
25 Points
Beginning
17 Points
Allusion
The allusion and its depiction are historically or factually accurate. The context from the story is given in a brief summary.
The allusion and its depiction may be slightly inaccurate historically or factually. The context from the story may be missing.
The allusion and its depiction have serious errors in accuracy. The context from the story are missing, or there is no description at all.
Artistic Depictions
The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate to both the allusion and to the work of literature. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative.
The art chosen to depict the scenes should be historically appropriate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations.
The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically inappropriate. Scene constructions are messy and may create some confusion, or may be too limited.
English 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


Allusions are present throughout the novel, Welcome to Nowhere, referencing actual people, places, literature, TV, movies, music, movements and events. For this activity, students will create a storyboard that identifies allusions found in Welcome to Nowhere.



Example Allusions in Welcome to Nowhere

Syrian Civil War
The Syrian civil war is an ongoing multi-sided civil war in Syria fought between the Syrian Arab Republic and various domestic and foreign forces.


Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman Empire was an empire that controlled much of Southeastern Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa between the 14th and early 20th centuries. It was founded at the end of the 13th century in northwestern Anatolia.


United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is a UN agency mandated to aid and protect refugees, and stateless people, and to assist in their voluntary repatriation, or resettlement to a third country.


Majid Comics
Majid is a pan-Arab comic book anthology and children's magazine.



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 allusions present in Welcome to Nowhere (references to actual people, places, events or works of art or literature). Illustrate instances of each allusion and write a short description below each cell.

Student Instructions:

  1. Click "Start Assignment".
  2. Identify the allusions from Welcome to Nowhere you wish to include and write them in the title.
  3. Create an image for an example that represents this allusion using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
  4. Write a description of each of the examples.

Lesson Plan Reference

Switch to: Common CoreArizonaCaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIowaKansasMarylandMassachusettsNebraskaNew JerseyNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaPennsylvaniaUtah

Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)


Allusions in a Story
As we read and discuss, identify and track the different allusions that appear in the book. Look for references to real people, places, events and works of art or literature. For each allusion, create a scene and description that depicts the original meaning of the allusion, along with how it is connected to the story.
Proficient
33 Points
Emerging
25 Points
Beginning
17 Points
Allusion
The allusion and its depiction are historically or factually accurate. The context from the story is given in a brief summary.
The allusion and its depiction may be slightly inaccurate historically or factually. The context from the story may be missing.
The allusion and its depiction have serious errors in accuracy. The context from the story are missing, or there is no description at all.
Artistic Depictions
The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate to both the allusion and to the work of literature. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative.
The art chosen to depict the scenes should be historically appropriate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations.
The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically inappropriate. Scene constructions are messy and may create some confusion, or may be too limited.
English 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 Welcome to Nowhere Allusions

1

Integrate allusion storyboards into a literature discussion

Guide students to share their storyboard examples during a class discussion. Encourage each student or pair to describe the allusion they chose and explain its significance in the story. This fosters active listening and deeper understanding of both the text and the historical/cultural references.

2

Prompt students to connect allusions with personal experiences

Ask students to relate the allusions they identified to their own lives or current events. Have them briefly share how the reference resonates with them or shapes their perspective. This makes learning more relevant and memorable.

3

Facilitate peer feedback on storyboard clarity

Organize a quick gallery walk or digital share-out where students review each other's storyboards. Encourage positive, specific feedback on how clearly each allusion is illustrated and explained. Peer review builds critical thinking and collaboration skills.

4

Model analyzing a complex allusion as a class

Select one challenging or lesser-known allusion from the novel and analyze it together. Break down its background and connection to the story, inviting student input. This scaffolds understanding for tougher references.

5

Create a classroom allusion wall for ongoing reference

Dedicate a bulletin board or digital space to display students’ storyboard cells with descriptions. Update it as new allusions arise in reading or class discussions. This visual reference supports retention and sparks curiosity throughout the unit.

Frequently Asked Questions about Welcome to Nowhere Allusions

What are some examples of allusions in Welcome to Nowhere?

Welcome to Nowhere includes allusions to real-world events and organizations such as the Syrian Civil War, the Ottoman Empire, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). It also references cultural media like Majid Comics, helping students connect literature to history and society.

How can students identify allusions in Welcome to Nowhere?

Students can spot allusions in Welcome to Nowhere by looking for references to historical events, famous organizations, or well-known cultural works. Encourage students to ask, "Does this mention relate to something outside the story?" and to research unfamiliar terms or names.

What is an allusion, and why is it used in Welcome to Nowhere?

An allusion is a reference within a story to a real person, event, place, or work of art. In Welcome to Nowhere, allusions help readers understand the context of the characters' experiences and connect fiction to real-world issues.

What is a storyboard activity for allusions in Welcome to Nowhere?

A storyboard activity asks students to illustrate and describe allusions found in Welcome to Nowhere. Students select examples, create images representing each allusion, and write brief explanations, deepening their comprehension of the novel's references.

Why is it important for middle school students to recognize allusions in literature?

Recognizing allusions helps middle school students build critical thinking skills, make connections between texts and real life, and understand deeper meanings in literature. It also enriches their appreciation for how authors use references to enhance storytelling.




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