In this activity, students will be provided a question or prompt to answer using text evidence. Questions should be modified to suit the objectives. Make this storyboard activity an alternate assessment to a long answer question, to promote discussion, or as a planning activity for a longer written assignment.
(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 We are the Ship. Click on "Add / Delete Cells" to change the number of examples.
Support students with different needs by providing clear sentence starters, visual aids, and step-by-step instructions for using text and image evidence. Scaffolding helps all students access the activity and build confidence in their responses.
Show students how to find and highlight relevant quotes or details from the text. Demonstrating this process helps students understand what makes evidence strong and connected to the question.
Encourage students to rewrite evidence in simple language that makes sense to them. Paraphrasing deepens understanding and prevents copying without comprehension.
Prompt students to draw scenes or characters that clearly connect to the text evidence chosen. Visualizing supports memory and comprehension for all types of learners.
Have students present their storyboards to partners or groups and explain their evidence choices. Sharing builds speaking skills and helps students learn from each other's ideas.
A storyboard activity for 'We Are the Ship' involves students visually organizing their responses to a prompt by using text evidence from the book. Students create a spider map to display at least three examples, paraphrased or quoted, that answer a central question about the book's themes or events.
Guide students to look for specific examples, quotes, or situations in the text that support their answers to prompts. Encourage them to paraphrase or directly quote key moments, such as challenges faced by Negro League players, and connect these to the prompt in their storyboard.
Example prompts include: How did segregation impact Negro League ballplayers? or What challenges did players face on and off the field? These help students focus on finding relevant text evidence and deepen their understanding.
Storyboards encourage visual thinking, help organize ideas, and promote discussion. They are a great alternative assessment, especially for students who benefit from graphic organizers or need a break from long written responses.
You can adjust the difficulty by changing the number of required examples or the complexity of the prompt. The activity works for individuals, partners, or groups—simply tailor the expectations and support to your students' needs.