Novel Postcards-Using Textual Evidence to Explore Character and Setting
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Phase:
During/Explore/Explain
Activity:
1. The students will create a postcard from one character in a novel to another. Students will write as if they are that character.
Ex. using The Outsiders - Ponyboy Curtis may send a postcard to Cherry Valance, Dallas Winston, etc.
2. The students will draw/illustrate an image on the front of the postcard that shows an appropriate setting from the novel.
Ex. using The Outsiders - Ponyboy's postcard might contain a picture from the church or a farm in Hendricksville or the fountain from the park.
3. The students will use textual evidence to support the details in their illustration and the contents of their postcard message. Use as many details from the story as they can.
The students will use textual evidence and inferences to write in authentic character voices and to draw/illustrate appropriate scenes from the setting.
4. On the other side of the postcard, students will create their written portion. (This may be completed using the Postcard Creator Tool.
Students will imagine that they are one of the characters in the novel and that they are writing to someone (another character, a friend, etc.) to tell them about their experience in that place.
Think about how that character felt, what they saw, and what they did while they were there.
Include a greeting, a closing, and a signature.
Address your postcard and draw/create a postage stamp.
Assessment Strategies:
Grading Criteria: 20 points in total
10 The message accurately reflects the character's feelings (based on textual evidence)
10 A colorful illustration that accurately shows the story's setting (based on textual evidence)
Advanced Preparation:
Gather 5 X 8 or 4 X 6 index cards or secure appropriate technology if using the Postcard Generator Tool online.
Gather colored pencils and/or misc. art supplies.
Variation Tips (optional):
You can complete online using the Postcard Generator Tool or complete without technology by using Notecards.
Notes or Recommendations (optional):
Classrooms lacking appropriate technologies (internet & printer) may opt to use 5x8 or 4 X 6 index cards for their postcards.