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Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies allusions present in All American Boys (references to actual people, places, events or works of art or literature). Illustrate instances of each allusion and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
Encourage students to draw parallels between the allusions in All American Boys and their own experiences or current events. This approach helps them see how literature reflects real-world issues and personal connections can deepen comprehension.
Lead a conversation where students share how each allusion affects their perception of the story and characters. This will help students recognize the power of cultural references in shaping a reader’s understanding and empathy.
Have students individually choose an allusion from the novel and investigate its historical or cultural background. This research will enhance their appreciation of the author’s intent and the novel’s relevance.
Ask students to illustrate an allusion using drawings, digital art, or collage. Visualizing the reference will help students internalize its significance and express understanding creatively.
Invite students to share their research and artwork with peers. Presenting helps them practice communication skills and allows the class to learn from diverse perspectives on the allusions’ meanings.
All American Boys includes allusions to Black Lives Matter, Family Circus cartoons, ROTC, UPS, artist Aaron Douglas, a Patriots football game, and the Family Feud TV game show. These references connect the story to real-world events, culture, and history.
Encourage students to look for references to real people, places, or events as they read. Have them note when something seems familiar or tied to current events, popular culture, or history, then discuss how these references deepen the story's meaning.
Allusions help ground the novel in reality, making its themes more relatable and powerful for students. They connect the characters’ experiences to real-world movements and issues, encouraging deeper understanding and discussion.
Ask students to create a storyboard where they pick key allusions from the novel, illustrate each one, and write a short description. This activity supports comprehension and creative thinking.
Allusions make the novel more engaging by connecting literary events to students’ lives and current events. This relevance can spark discussion, critical thinking, and personal connections to the themes.