To Kill a Mockingbird
Student Activity
#6
Mapping the Setting
Sometimes authors create imaginary, or
fictional, stories and characters and set them in a time and place
that has actually existed. This type of literature is called
historical fiction. Set in a small Alabama town during the Great
Depression of the 1930's, To Kill a
Mockingbird is an example of
historical fiction.
When reading fiction like To Kill a Mockingbird, it's helpful to know about the real setting and
time period. Different states, countries, and regions often have
certain characteristics, or features, connected with them. Reading
literature can help give insights into different regions through the
author's portrayal of the setting. In addition, learning about the
region can help readers understand the author's depiction of
setting.
In this activity, you will
* Use the Web to locate a map of the State of
Alabama
* Use
the Web to gather information about Alabama
* Compare the setting of To Kill a Mockingbird with your own home region
Locating a Map of Alabama Activity
Instructions:
1) Click on this link to locate
a map of the United
States
2) Examine the country map to identify
where Alabama is located in the country
3) Use your browser to print out the
map
4) Use a marker to outline the State of
Alabama
Gathering Information About Alabama
Activity
Instructions:
Use the Fifty
States.com link for Alabama to
gather and record data about the setting of To Kill a Mockingbird. On a separate sheet of paper, record the following
six pieces information about the State of Alabama:
1) Geographical
Size of Alabama
2) Climate of Alabama
3) Major Agricultural Products of
Alabama
4) Major Industries of Alabama
5) Historic Landmarks & Special
Attractions of Alabama
6) Capital city of Alabama
Comparing Alabama to Your Home Region
Activity
Using the information you've collected
about the State of Alabama, compare data about To Kill a Mockingbird's setting with your own home region.
Instructions:
Use the Fifty
States.com site to locate your
home state, then gather and record the following information about
your home state:
1) Geographical Size
2) Climate
3) Major Agricultural Products
4) Major Industries
5) Historic Landmarks & Special
Attractions
6) Capital city
OR
If you live in a country other than the
United States, use the following Web resource to discover information
about your home region to compare to To Kill a Mockingbird.
Note: If you prefer and have CD-ROM
resources available, you may wish to use Encarta or another
"multimedia encyclopedia" to collect the data about your home
region.
Once you have gathered data, note the
similarities and differences between your home region and the State
of Alabama. Display the information on a flip-chart or bulletin board
to compare your region to the setting of To Kill a Mockingbird.
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Student Page