Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Two-part Scene Diorama”

In this activity, students will create a diorama of important scenes in The War That Saved My Life that depict the change in Ada’s character.

Ada must overcome many obstacles, both physical and emotional, to accept herself and to accept love from others. Consider important scenes that demonstrate Ada’s transformation and recreate them in a “before and after” diorama. Plan to explain why your scenes effectively show Ada’s growth. Use examples from the novel to support your reasoning.

• Select an important scene from the novel’s beginning that demonstrates a part of Ada’s personality or character that later changes. Then select a scene from late in the novel that exemplifies Ada’s personality after that change.
• Work with a small group to brainstorm ideas for the dioramas. Then, as a class, compile guidelines on materials, necessary elements, and other important components.
• Recreate your chosen scenes in the form of a two-part diorama. You can divide your working material into two halves, create a front-to-back structure, or utilize some other method to achieve a “before and after” effect.