Having students choose a favorite quote or scene 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 quotes mean to them.
Some students may end up choosing the same quote, 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.
“Pakistan was founded by the dreams of poets. Aren’t we of the same earth?”
“I knew helping family was what a good eldest daughter did, but this time after school with Miss Sadia wasn’t just fun; it was important.”
"This is what I now remember most about my last afternoon at school—the smell of the dusty chalkboard, the sound of the students lingering outside the door, and mostly, how easily I took my ordinary life for granted.”
"I knew learning to read wouldn't change the fact that Fatima was trapped here like I was, cleaning floors, dusting baseboards, and peeling potatoes. But at least by teaching her to read, I gave her a window to see worlds beyond ours and a chance to imagine leaving the walls of this estate and to feel free, even if it was only for a little while."
“You always have a choice. Making choices even when they scare you because you know it's the right thing to do - that's bravery.”
“Change, no matter how good and necessary, comes with a price.”
“But the thing was—those books were what made my days bearable. They were what helped me sleep at night without my homesickness choking me. Without books, what was there to look forward to?”
“Sometimes I wish I did not pay such careful attention. Maybe then I would not have learned that they thought being a girl was such a bad thing.”
“It turned out he wasn't just a poet. He was also a politician, a teacher, a lawyer, a scholar, and a knight. I thought one dream was enough for a person, but reading his story, I learned some people could hold on to many different dreams and see them all come true.”
“Until now I didn't realize how memories clumped together. Remembering one unlocked another and then another until you were drowning in a tidal wave threatening to sweep you away.”
“If everyone decided nothing would change, nothing ever would.”
(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 identifies your favorite quote or scene in Amal Unbound. Illustrate your quote and write what it means to you.
Student Instructions:
Requirements: Quote or Scene, Illustration, 1-2 sentences about what it means to you.
Arrange student storyboards around the classroom and have students walk through, viewing each other's work. Encourage respectful feedback and celebrate different perspectives to build classroom community.
Demonstrate how to offer specific compliments and ask thoughtful questions about classmates' choices. Guide students in providing constructive feedback that supports growth and confidence.
Prompt students to share how their selected quote or scene relates to something in their own lives. Foster deeper connections by encouraging personal storytelling.
Group students who chose similar quotes and have them discuss why the quote stood out and how their interpretations differ. This promotes empathy and critical thinking.
The 'favorite quote or scene' lesson for Amal Unbound invites students to choose a quote or scene from the novel that resonates with them personally, then create an illustration and write a brief reflection about its meaning. This activity helps students connect deeply with the text and express their interpretations.
Encourage students to reflect on moments in Amal Unbound that sparked strong feelings or new insights. Suggest they look for quotes that relate to major themes or character growth, and ask them to explain why the chosen passage stands out to them personally.
Examples include: “You always have a choice. Making choices even when they scare you because you know it's the right thing to do – that's bravery.” and “Change, no matter how good and necessary, comes with a price.” These lines highlight the novel's themes of courage, change, and hope.
Making text-to-self connections helps students relate literature to their own lives, deepening understanding and empathy. It encourages personal engagement and can make learning more memorable and meaningful.
Students should: 1) Click 'Start Assignment,' 2) Choose a favorite quote or scene, 3) Create an image representing it with characters and items, and 4) Write the quote and 1-2 sentences explaining what it means to them in the description box.