Activity Overview
The setting of a story is the location and time, or the where and when. Settings often play a crucial role and can inform the reader about the characters experiences and motivations as is the case in the book Wolf Hollow. Students will create a setting chart to identify the time and place of the story to gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their situation. The story begins about 20 years after World War I and a character is greatly impacted by his experiences in that war. It is also in the midst of World War II and the news of that war plays out in the background of the troubles that are occurring on the home front.
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 settings in the book Wolf Hollow.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the time and place for the novel Wolf Hollow.
- Add appropriate scenes, items, textables, etc. to illustrate each setting.
- Write a description for each cell.
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 and can inform the reader about the characters experiences and motivations as is the case in the book Wolf Hollow. Students will create a setting chart to identify the time and place of the story to gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their situation. The story begins about 20 years after World War I and a character is greatly impacted by his experiences in that war. It is also in the midst of World War II and the news of that war plays out in the background of the troubles that are occurring on the home front.
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 settings in the book Wolf Hollow.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the time and place for the novel Wolf Hollow.
- Add appropriate scenes, items, textables, etc. to illustrate each setting.
- Write a description for each cell.
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 Wolf Hollow Setting
Engage students in a setting walk-and-talk discussion
Encourage movement and conversation by having students walk around the classroom or school as pairs or small groups, discussing how different settings might affect a character’s feelings or actions in Wolf Hollow. This active strategy helps students connect the book’s setting to their real-life experiences and see how environment shapes stories.
Guide students to brainstorm setting details from memory
Ask students to close their eyes and recall places and times described in Wolf Hollow. Have them list sensory details—what they might see, hear, smell, or feel in those settings. This strengthens recall and deepens engagement with the novel’s world.
Facilitate collaborative setting chart creation
Divide students into small groups and assign each group a different chapter or scene from Wolf Hollow. Have them fill out a setting chart together, noting time, place, and important background events. Collaboration encourages discussion and multiple perspectives.
Prompt students to connect setting to character motivation
Ask students to pick a character and explain how the setting influences their actions or emotions. Use evidence from the text to support their ideas. This helps students see the relationship between setting and character development.
Encourage creative responses with setting-based journaling
Invite students to write a journal entry from the perspective of a character in one of Wolf Hollow’s settings. Focus on describing the surroundings and how the setting makes the character feel. This creative exercise builds empathy and descriptive skills.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wolf Hollow Setting
What is the setting of Wolf Hollow?
Wolf Hollow is set in rural Pennsylvania, primarily during the late 1930s and early 1940s, around the time of World War II. The story's location and era are crucial to understanding the characters and their experiences.
How does the setting in Wolf Hollow influence the story?
The setting shapes the characters' actions and challenges in Wolf Hollow. The events occur during World War II, impacting daily life, community attitudes, and key character motivations, especially those affected by war.
How can students create a setting chart for Wolf Hollow?
Students can make a setting chart by identifying the time (late 1930s–1940s) and place (rural Pennsylvania) and illustrating each scene with visuals and descriptions that show how the setting impacts the story.
Why is understanding the setting important in Wolf Hollow?
Understanding the setting helps students grasp why characters act as they do and reveals how historical events like World War II affect the plot and underlying themes of Wolf Hollow.
What are some tips for teaching setting in Wolf Hollow to middle school students?
Use activities like storyboards or setting maps, encourage students to connect the historical context to characters, and discuss how the setting influences conflict and resolution in Wolf Hollow.
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