Guage understanding and facilitate class discussion with short personal response squares as students complete their daily reading assignments. A one-cell response only requires a small amount of time, but can effectively promote critical thinking and engagement. Provide students with a prompt to consider as they read a given reading selection and ask them to present their answer to the class using Storyboard That.
The sample activity below is based on the fourth prompt.
“Si nous restons ici, nous n'y serons que comme les autres; au lieu que si nous retournons dans notre monde seulement avec douze moutons chargés de cailloux d'Eldorado, nous serons plus riches que tous les rois ensemble, nous n'aurons plus d'inquisiteurs à craindre, et nous pourrons aisément reprendre Mlle Cunégonde" (Ch. 18, p. 116).
Cette citation est significative parce qu’elle révèle l’ambition, l'avidité, et la vanité naturelle des hommes. Candide ne peut être satisfait dans l’utopie d’Eldorado; il cherche toujours quelque chose de nouveau et veut se sentir supérieur aux autres.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
As you read the next chapter, be on the lookout for important moments and lines. A line might be important because of the way it contributes to the plot development, connects to a theme, or reveals a key character quality. When you’ve found your line, present it at the top of a storyboard and create an illustration in the square. In the textbox at the bottom, add an explanation of the quotation’s significance.
Collect all student storyboard responses in one place to make it easier to spot patterns and encourage discussion. Having organized examples helps students reflect on different perspectives and strengthens critical thinking.
Prompt students to link their chosen quotation to a central theme from Candide. Ask them to explain how the line supports or contradicts the theme in their own words. This builds literary analysis skills and promotes meaningful classroom conversation.
Set up a quick, structured peer review where students comment on each other's storyboard squares. Offer guiding questions like "What new insight did you gain?" Peer feedback helps deepen understanding and fosters a supportive classroom environment.
Showcase a few thoughtful storyboards on a classroom wall or digital board. Highlight what made them effective—such as clear explanations or creative illustrations. Celebrating student work boosts engagement and sets a high standard for future assignments.
Personal response squares are an easy and effective activity: as students read Candide, ask them to select an important quotation and respond in a single square, explaining its significance. This promotes critical thinking and fosters class discussion.
Have students choose a key line from each chapter, place it at the top of a Storyboard That square, create an illustration, and add a short text explanation of its meaning. This helps visualize and analyze important moments.
Analyzing quotations helps students connect themes, understand character motivations, and see plot development. It encourages deeper reading and improves their ability to interpret literature.
Students should look for lines that advance the plot, highlight a theme, or reveal something key about a character. Encourage them to explain why the line matters in the context of the story.
Use prompts like: What lesson did you take away from this chapter? Who was your favorite character and why? or Which object or event seemed symbolic? These questions spark engagement and reflection.