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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/sylvia-and-aki-by-winifred-conkling/setting
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
The setting of a story is the location and time, or the where and when. Settings often play a crucial role especially in the case of historical fiction or when there are multiple places and timelines as is the case in the book Sylvia & Aki. In this activity, students will illustrate and describe the where and when of the novel. The template provided has room for two different stories, so students can describe both Sylvia and Aki's stories, or teachers may ask them to focus on one of the stories.
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 identifying the different settings in the book Sylvia & Aki.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the settings in Sylvia & Aki.
- In the "time" and "place" rows, use evidence from the text to describe the different settings in both Sylvia's and Aki's stories.
- Add appropriate scenes, items, textables, etc. to illustrate your points.
- Write a description for each cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Setting
Simplified rubric for setting
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting Description | The student effectively describes the setting by identifying the place, time, and atmosphere. | The student describes two elements of the setting. | The student describes only one aspect of the setting. |
| Appearance | Final product contains accurate visual depictions of setting and characters. | Final product demonstrates an effort to accurately portray settings and characters though some aspects are confusing and/or inaccurate. | Final product contains irrelevant images. |
| Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation | Final product is free of spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors. | Final product contains up to three errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar that do not alter the meaning of the text. | Final product contains more than three errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar. |
Lesson Plan Overview
The setting of a story is the location and time, or the where and when. Settings often play a crucial role especially in the case of historical fiction or when there are multiple places and timelines as is the case in the book Sylvia & Aki. In this activity, students will illustrate and describe the where and when of the novel. The template provided has room for two different stories, so students can describe both Sylvia and Aki's stories, or teachers may ask them to focus on one of the stories.
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 identifying the different settings in the book Sylvia & Aki.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the settings in Sylvia & Aki.
- In the "time" and "place" rows, use evidence from the text to describe the different settings in both Sylvia's and Aki's stories.
- Add appropriate scenes, items, textables, etc. to illustrate your points.
- Write a description for each cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Setting
Simplified rubric for setting
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting Description | The student effectively describes the setting by identifying the place, time, and atmosphere. | The student describes two elements of the setting. | The student describes only one aspect of the setting. |
| Appearance | Final product contains accurate visual depictions of setting and characters. | Final product demonstrates an effort to accurately portray settings and characters though some aspects are confusing and/or inaccurate. | Final product contains irrelevant images. |
| Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation | Final product is free of spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors. | Final product contains up to three errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar that do not alter the meaning of the text. | Final product contains more than three errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar. |
How Tos about Setting in Sylvia & Aki
1
Plan a Collaborative Setting Map Project
Invite students to work in pairs or small groups to create a large setting map for Sylvia & Aki. Collaboration encourages students to share perspectives, enhancing their understanding of the novel’s time and place.
2
Gather Key Setting Details Together
Have each group brainstorm and record important locations, time periods, and context clues from the book. Pooling details ensures a thorough and accurate map.
3
Assign Roles for Map Creation
Designate tasks like researcher, illustrator, and writer within each group. Clear roles help every student contribute and stay engaged.
4
Create and Illustrate the Map
Guide students as they draw, label, and decorate their setting maps using evidence from the novel. Visualizing settings deepens comprehension and makes learning interactive.
5
Present and Reflect on Each Group’s Map
Invite groups to share their maps with the class. Discuss differences and similarities, encouraging critical thinking about the story’s settings and perspectives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Setting in Sylvia & Aki
What is the setting of Sylvia & Aki?
The setting of Sylvia & Aki includes Southern California during the 1940s, focusing on the experiences of two girls—Sylvia, who faces segregation in schools, and Aki, who is sent to a Japanese-American internment camp. Time and place are central to the story's themes.
How can students identify different settings in Sylvia & Aki?
Students can identify different settings by looking for clues about when and where events happen in the text. Using a storyboard or setting map helps illustrate and describe the distinct places and times in both Sylvia’s and Aki’s stories.
What is a setting map activity for Sylvia & Aki?
A setting map activity is a visual project where students illustrate and describe the key locations and periods in Sylvia & Aki. It helps students understand how setting shapes the story and characters' experiences.
Why is setting important in historical fiction like Sylvia & Aki?
Setting is crucial in historical fiction because it provides context for the events and characters. In Sylvia & Aki, the setting highlights historical realities such as segregation and internment, helping readers understand the challenges the characters face.
What are some examples of evidence for setting in Sylvia & Aki?
Examples of evidence for setting in Sylvia & Aki include descriptions of the segregated schools Sylvia attends, the internment camp where Aki lives, and specific references to 1940s California. Quoting passages or noting specific scenes helps illustrate the setting.
More Storyboard That Activities
Sylvia & Aki
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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/sylvia-and-aki-by-winifred-conkling/setting
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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
