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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/anansi-the-spider-by-gerald-mcdermott/text-connection
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
Having students choose their favorite part of a book allows them to express which scenes 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 scenes mean to them.
Some students may end up choosing the same part, 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.
Template and Class Instructions
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 identifies your favorite scene in Anansi the Spider. Illustrate the scene and write why you chose it.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a favorite scene from Anansi the Spider.
- Create an image that represents this scene using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
- In the description box, write what happens during this part of the book, and why you chose this part.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Favorite Scene
Explain and illustrate your favorite scene from the story.
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The explanation of the scene and why it was chosen is clear and at least two sentences. | The explanation of the scene and why it was chosen can be understood but it is somewhat unclear. | The explanation of the scene and why it was chosen is unclear and is not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustration represents the scene or explanation using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustration relates to the scene or explanation, but is difficult to understand. | The illustration does not clearly relate to the scene or the explanation. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Lesson Plan Overview
Having students choose their favorite part of a book allows them to express which scenes 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 scenes mean to them.
Some students may end up choosing the same part, 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.
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 identifies your favorite scene in Anansi the Spider. Illustrate the scene and write why you chose it.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a favorite scene from Anansi the Spider.
- Create an image that represents this scene using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
- In the description box, write what happens during this part of the book, and why you chose this part.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Favorite Scene
Explain and illustrate your favorite scene from the story.
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The explanation of the scene and why it was chosen is clear and at least two sentences. | The explanation of the scene and why it was chosen can be understood but it is somewhat unclear. | The explanation of the scene and why it was chosen is unclear and is not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustration represents the scene or explanation using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustration relates to the scene or explanation, but is difficult to understand. | The illustration does not clearly relate to the scene or the explanation. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Anansi the Spider Favorite Scene
1
Encourage Deeper Discussion with Peer Storyboard Reviews
Invite students to review a partner's storyboard and discuss the chosen favorite scenes together. This fosters respectful listening and helps students appreciate different perspectives while building critical thinking skills.
2
Model How to Reflect on Personal Connections
Share your own favorite scene from the story and explain why it resonates with you. This demonstrates making text-to-self connections and encourages students to reflect on their own experiences as they read.
3
Guide Students to Use Text Evidence in Explanations
Ask students to reference specific lines or details from the book when explaining their favorite scene. This practice builds comprehension and helps students cite evidence to support their ideas.
4
Facilitate a Whole-Class Gallery Walk
Display all completed storyboards around the classroom and allow students to walk around, observe, and leave positive comments. This activity celebrates creativity and gives students an authentic audience for their work.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anansi the Spider Favorite Scene
What is the 'Anansi the Spider Favorite Scene' activity for students?
The 'Anansi the Spider Favorite Scene' activity asks students to select and illustrate their favorite scene from Anansi the Spider, then explain why they chose it. This helps them connect personally with the story and demonstrate understanding of its characters and themes.
How can students make a text-to-self connection with Anansi the Spider?
Students make a text-to-self connection by identifying a scene in Anansi the Spider that resonates with their own experiences or feelings. Explaining why they relate to a specific part helps deepen comprehension and engagement.
What are the steps to complete the Anansi the Spider storyboard assignment?
To complete the assignment, students should: 1) Click "Start Assignment"; 2) Choose their favorite scene from Anansi the Spider; 3) Illustrate the scene with appropriate characters and items; 4) Write a description explaining what happens and why they chose it.
Why is it valuable for students to share and discuss their favorite scenes in class?
Sharing favorite scenes encourages discussion about different perspectives and helps students see how personal experiences influence interpretation. It fosters empathy, critical thinking, and deeper appreciation for literature.
What grade level is the 'Anansi the Spider Favorite Scene' activity designed for?
This activity is designed for 2nd and 3rd grade students, making it developmentally appropriate for early elementary learners building reading comprehension skills.
More Storyboard That Activities
Anansi the Spider
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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/anansi-the-spider-by-gerald-mcdermott/text-connection
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© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
