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Activity Overview


Allusions are present throughout the novel Ghost, referencing actual people, places, and events. These references help plunge the reader into the world around Castle Cranshaw and the different influences in his life as a 7th grader navigating life in a big city in modern day America. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that illustrates various allusions in the story.


Examples of Allusions in Ghost



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 allusions present in Ghost (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:

  1. Click "Start Assignment".
  2. Identify the allusions from Ghost you wish to include and write them in the title.
  3. Create an image for an example that represents this allusion using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
  4. Write a description of each of the examples.
  5. Save and exit when you're done.

Requirements:

Lesson Plan Reference

Common Core Standards
  • [ELA-Literacy/RH/9-10/3] Analyze in detail a series of events described in a text; determine whether earlier events caused later ones or simply preceded them.
  • [ELA-LITERACY/CCRA/R/1] Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
  • [ELA-LITERACY/CCRA/R/7] Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
  • [ELA-LITERACY/CCRA/R/9] Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take.

Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)


Allusions in a Story
As we read and discuss, identify and track the different allusions that appear in the book. Look for references to real people, places, events and works of art or literature. For each allusion, create a scene and description that depicts the original meaning of the allusion, along with how it is connected to the story.
Proficient
33 Points
Emerging
25 Points
Beginning
17 Points
Allusion
The allusion and its depiction are historically or factually accurate. The context from the story is given in a brief summary.
The allusion and its depiction may be slightly inaccurate historically or factually. The context from the story may be missing.
The allusion and its depiction have serious errors in accuracy. The context from the story are missing, or there is no description at all.
Artistic Depictions
The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate to both the allusion and to the work of literature. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative.
The art chosen to depict the scenes should be historically appropriate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations.
The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically inappropriate. Scene constructions are messy and may create some confusion, or may be too limited.
English Conventions
Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors.
Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors.
Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading.


How To Teach Allusions Using Storyboards

1

Define Allusions

Before you get the Storyboard started, you need to help your students understand the concept you are Storyboarding. Define allusions for your students and give them some age-appropriate examples to aid in their understanding.

2

Assist Students in Finding Allusions in Ghost

For many students, the concept of allusion is new and they could benefit from some hands-on help in finding and identifying allusions. Although the process does get easier, scaffolding with students will help them immensely.

3

Describe and Illustrate Ideas

Once students have identified the allusions, they can use the Storyboard to describe the allusion, as well as to illustrate it. This will help students cement their thinking on the topic.

Frequently Asked Questions about Identifying Allusion in Ghost

What is an allusion?

An allusion is any reference to history, literature, or people that an author uses in their story. This adds depth to the work.

What is the point of authors using allusions in their work?

Authors use allusions to compare something that is happening in their story with something in the world that has already happened. It is a type of shorthand, and if students have heard of the reference, they have a deeper depth of understanding for what the characters are going through.

Is it difficult to understand allusions?

Some students will instantly pick up on the meaning and reasoning behind allusions. For others, they may have to Google a person's name or an event so they may understand it more fully. Allusions add clarity to a story, and the comparisons can really mean a lot to the reader.




This Activity is Part of Many Teacher Guides

Image Attributions
  • 2385477 • JD Danny • License Free To Use / No Attribution Required / See https://www.pexels.com/license/ for what is not allowed
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