Having students choose a favorite quote or dialogue from the book allows them to express which parts of the story resonated with them on a personal level. In this way, students are making a text-to-self connection that demonstrates their understanding of the characters and their development or the themes of the novel. Students can share their storyboards afterwards and have a short discussion about what the quote or dialogue means to them and why they chose it.
Some students may end up choosing the same quote or dialogue, but have different perspectives. This is always interesting for students to see and can open up a discussion as to how not everyone can read the same lines in the same way based on their own perspectives and personal experiences.
”Work gives a man dignity, stealing takes it away.”
“Why was it that pride and foolishness were so often close companions?”
”Realizing a dream can be very hard, though. Sometimes, a dream can seem so far away, it almost disappears. But maybe if Tree-ear takes it one hill, one valley, one day at a time, just maybe, he'll be able to make his dream come true.”
“If a man is keeping an idea to himself, and that idea is taken by stealth or trickery-I say it is stealing. But once a man has revealed his idea to others, it is no longer his alone. It belongs to the world.”
“Fire and falling water. Always the same, yet always changing.”
“How much slower the work went when the joy of it was gone.”
“We are afraid of the things we do not know—just because we do not know them.”
“Of all the problems you may meet on your journey, it will be people who are the greatest danger. But it will also be people to whom you must turn if ever you are in need of aid.”
“My friend, the same wind that blows one door shut often blows another open.”
“There were some things that could not be molded into words.”
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies your favorite quote or dialogue in A Single Shard. Illustrate your quote and write what it means to you.
Student Instructions:
Encourage students to share their chosen quotes in small groups before a whole-class discussion. Invite them to explain why the quote stood out, and ask follow-up questions that prompt students to consider different perspectives. This helps students think critically and appreciate the diverse interpretations within their classroom community.
Prompt students to relate the meaning of their selected quote to something from their own lives or the world around them. Use sentence starters like, “This reminds me of…” or “I once felt…” to help them make authentic connections and deepen comprehension.
Demonstrate active listening by summarizing what a student shares and encouraging others to respond thoughtfully. Highlight similarities and differences in interpretations, fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is valued and students learn from each other.
Encourage students to use drawings, images, or digital tools to visually represent their chosen quote. Visual elements can help students better express their ideas and make abstract concepts more concrete for their peers.
"Work gives a man dignity, stealing takes it away." is a powerful quote from A Single Shard that highlights the importance of honesty and hard work—making it an excellent choice for classroom discussions about character and values.
Encourage students to choose a favorite quote or dialogue from A Single Shard and explain what it means to them. This text-to-self connection helps deepen understanding of the story and fosters personal reflection.
Have students select a meaningful quote, illustrate it with scenes or characters from the book, and write a brief explanation of its significance. This approach encourages creativity and comprehension.
Discussing various interpretations shows students that personal experiences shape understanding. It opens up rich dialogue and helps students appreciate diverse viewpoints.
Examples include: "Why was it that pride and foolishness were so often close companions?" and "My friend, the same wind that blows one door shut often blows another open." These highlight key themes in the novel.