Having students choose a favorite quote or scene from the book allows them to express which parts of the story resonated with them on a personal level. In this way, students are making a text-to-self connection that demonstrates their understanding of the characters and their development or the themes of the novel. Students can share their storyboards afterwards and have a short discussion about what the quotes mean to them.
Some students may end up choosing the same quote, but have different perspectives. This is always interesting for students to see and can open up a discussion as to how not everyone can read the same lines in the same way based on their own perspectives and personal experiences.
"Here in Coven Tree we're no strangers to magic. I'm not talking about the rabbit-from-a-hat or coin-up-the-sleeve variety, either. I mean REAL magic."
"He put me in mind of Santa Claus, shaved and dressed for warm weather."
"'I want ever so badly to be liked ... and not just by Leland and Lenora either. I want people to greet me and not walk on the other side of the street whenever they set eyes on me. And especially, I want Agatha Benthorn to invite me to her house for tea ... I'm wishing that people will pay attention to me. And smile when they see me ... ...'"
"The time was, Agatha, when I'd have crawled to this house on hands and knees if I thought you'd invite me inside. But that time is over. I'm my own person now. So I bid you ... good-bye."
"Oh, Henry, whatever happened to all the nice things you used to tell me ... if I'm at all special to you ... ?"
"Special? That's a laugh, I'd have said you were Cleopatra if that's what I had to do. Anything so you'd tell your papa how nice I was and I could sell him more machinery!"
"Rowena Jervis, I've already been waiting for you a long time. But until now, you only had eyes for Henry Piper. Yes, Rowena, I'll wait. Take all the time you need. And when you're ready for me, you'll find me waiting still."
"I wish ... " he began. "I wish we had water all over this farm. Enough for washing and cooking and drinking and for the crops, and ... and with plenty to spare, too!"
"Well, maybe some good did come of the wish cards after all. Polly Kemp spends a lot more of her time saying what she likes about people rather than what's wrong with them ... she's got a lot more friends in school now, too."
"As far as I know, Thaddeus Blinn is still out there, roaming the highways and byways of this land of ours."
(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 your favorite quote or scene in The Wish Giver. Illustrate your quote and write what it means to you.
Student Instructions:
Requirements: Quote or Scene, Illustration, 1-2 sentences about what it means to you.