Activity Overview
The setting of a story includes where and when the story takes place. Settings in historical fiction novels are particularly important, as they represent real locations, time periods, and events that actually took place. In A Long Walk to Water, when the story takes place is extremely important; some of the story takes place in 1985, and some of it takes place in 2009. Readers learn that, although their stories take place 24 years apart, Salva and Nya have a great deal in common, such as war and other obstacles. The locations are also crucial; the climate and geography of Ethiopia and Sudan are similar, making access to water challenging and dangerous. This is another commonality that Salva and Nya share. For this activity, students will describe and illustrate the different settings in A Long Walk to Water.
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 describes and illustrates the setting of A Long Walk to Water. You must incorporate where and when in your storyboards
Student Instructions:
- Write a setting in each heading.
- Create an illustration that represents each heading using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short summary of each heading/belief in the space below the illustration.
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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 To Compare the Setting of “A Long Walk to Water” With Real Locations and Time Periods
Identify the Settings
Ask the students to read and analyze the book carefully and identify the major settings present in the story. Ensure that the students know that settings also include the time period mentioned in the plot along with the locations and places. Students can list down their identified settings separately for discussion later.
Research Historical Background and Context
Once the main locations and periods in the plot have been recognized by the students, ask them to research the historical context and background behind these settings. Since A Long Walk to Water is based on a true story, there will be a lot that students can find out in terms of context and background about the main locations and periods. For instance, students can research Southern Sudan, refugee camps, and Salva’s journey as well as the periods 1985 and 2009.
Identify Differences and Similarities
Since the book is based on a true story, there will be many similarities between the real-life locations and events of that time and the events and locations mentioned in the book. However, students can still try and compare them to gain a deeper understanding of the book and Salva’s journey and analyze any changes if present.
Link with Current Events
Discuss how the historical background of the book relates to what's going on in Sudan right now. Talk about any current issues or developments in the area and how they could relate to the events and themes portrayed in the book. Students can also analyze the perspective of culture, society, and politics and how they influence the events of those places and periods.
Share Insights
Set up forums for students to discuss their research and perspectives. Invite them to share their comparisons with the class so that different viewpoints and teamwork can be fostered.
Frequently Asked Questions About Analyzing Setting in “A Long Walk to Water”
How are the characters influenced by the different settings mentioned in the book?
The landscape, which includes deserts, the Nile River, and many Sudanese regions, has an impact on the journeys, coping mechanisms, and day-to-day activities of the characters. It sets a scene that molds their encounters. An important point to remember is that these settings and events are not fictional and Salva Dut along with many other people had to face the harsh treatment of these settings to survive.
How are the themes of the book enhanced by its settings?
Topics like resiliency, survival, the effects of conflict, and the significance of having access to resources like water are all influenced by the environment. By examining the various settings present in the book, students may understand and analyze how these themes are integrated into the story.
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