Activity Overview
The setting of a story is the location and time frame, or the where and when of the story. Settings often play a crucial role in the story as they influence the characters, their motivations, and their actions. The setting can also include the environment, like the weather or the social and political factors within the time period both locally and globally.
Students can create a setting chart to identify the time and place of the story, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their situation. If a story has multiple settings or time periods, they can also explain how those changes affect the characters and plot.
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 setting in the book.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the time and place for the story.
- Add appropriate scenes, items, textables, etc. to illustrate each aspect of the 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 To Help Students Create a Setting for Their Story Writing Projects
Talk About the Significance of Setting
Begin by outlining the reasons that the setting is so important in the narrative. Talk about how a well-designed location can drive the plot, define the tone, and draw readers into the narrative. Teachers can share some examples with the students on how a setting can make or break the story and discuss the settings of their favorite stories.
Conduct a Brainstorming Session
Organize a brainstorming session to produce a storyline as well as setting ideas. Students should be encouraged to consider other eras, locations, and universes. Encourage them to think of locations that complement the type, message, and mood they wish to portray through their stories. Ask the students to first decide on a storyline and then slowly work towards developing other elements of the narrative.
Consider Place and Time
Assist the students with picturing the story's past, present, or future, as well as whether it's set in a real-world or made-up location. Teachers can introduce students to various fictional and non-fictional settings to give them inspiration. Students can use these examples if they complement their storylines.
Research Backgrounds and Facts
Depending on the storyline of students, ask them to do some research on their chosen setting. For instance, if the story is set in the 1800s and students want to show a realistic society, it should portray a similar lifestyle of people of that time. If the students are opting for a fictional setting, they can use their imaginations and freely express creativity.
Share and Discuss
Give students a chance to present their completed work. Readings, talks, or exhibits could be used to do this. Provide students with positive feedback and words of motivation and ask them to share their experience with the activity and discuss anything new that they learned.
Frequently Asked Questions About Analyzing the Setting in a Novel
Why is it crucial to examine a novel's setting and how can it help the students understand the novel in a better way?
A setting analysis is essential because it gives the story a contextual backdrop. It adds to the novel's general atmosphere, affects character behavior, and sets the tone. Readers’ understanding and appreciation of the story are improved when they are aware of the setting.
Can there be different settings present in one novel?
Indeed, a novel's setting might alter as it progresses. Certain stories have characters who travel to new places or go through time period shifts. These setting changes frequently correspond with changes in the story or the growth of the characters.
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