In this activity, students will be provided a question or prompt to answer using textual evidence. The prompt here is, “At the beginning of the novel Claudia feels like she is being taken for granted. How does she handle this situation?"
The three examples provided include:
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that answers the prompt using at least three examples from From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Click on "Add / Delete Cells" to change the number of examples.
Explain the difference between quoting and paraphrasing. Clarify that paraphrasing means putting the author's ideas into your own words, while quoting uses the exact wording from the text.
Choose a short excerpt from the novel and think aloud as you rephrase it in simple language. Show how the meaning stays the same, but the words change.
Pair up students and assign each group a different quote from the text. Encourage collaboration to turn the quote into a paraphrased sentence using their own words.
Invite pairs to share their paraphrased sentences. Discuss what works well and gently correct any responses that are too similar to the original or change the meaning.
Remind students to include at least one paraphrased example when building their storyboard. Highlight that this shows true understanding of the text and helps avoid plagiarism.
Textual evidence refers to specific quotes or passages from 'From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler' that students use to support their answers or interpretations. It helps demonstrate understanding and backs up claims with proof from the book.
Guide students to reread the prompt, identify key moments in the text, and look for direct quotes or paraphrased details that relate to the question. Encourage them to use sticky notes or highlight passages as they read for easier reference later.
An effective storyboard activity asks students to answer a question using three pieces of textual evidence, each illustrated with scenes or characters from the novel. Students paraphrase or quote directly and organize examples visually to show understanding.
Using textual evidence teaches students to support their ideas with proof, encourages close reading, and builds critical thinking skills. It prepares students for more advanced analysis in later grades.
Start with modeling how to find and cite evidence, use graphic organizers like spider maps, and provide prompts that encourage students to quote or paraphrase. Give feedback on both the evidence chosen and how it supports their answers.