A common use for Storyboard That is to help students create a plot diagram of the events from a story or play. Not only is this a great way to teach the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and help students develop greater understanding of literary structures, such as five act structure.
Students can create a storyboard capturing the narrative arc in a work with a six-cell storyboard containing the major parts of the plot diagram. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the story in sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a visual plot diagram of A Raisin in the Sun.
Enrich your storyboard by asking students to identify key character traits for each major character as they build each stage of the plot. This helps students connect actions and motives to story structure, deepening their comprehension.
Invite students to note which character is most impacted at each plot point. Highlighting emotional shifts or decisions made by characters helps learners link plot structure to character development.
Have students assign colors to different themes (like dreams, family, or racism) and visually represent them in each cell. This makes abstract ideas more tangible and sparks class discussion about recurring themes.
Arrange students in small groups to brainstorm plot events and character motivations before they start drawing. Peer discussion encourages multiple perspectives and supports stronger storyboards.
Set aside time to showcase finished storyboards around the classroom or digitally. This motivates students, reinforces learning, and allows for peer feedback.
A plot diagram for A Raisin in the Sun visually breaks down the story into six main parts: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. It helps students understand the narrative arc and key events of Lorraine Hansberry's play.
You can engage students by having them create a six-cell storyboard that illustrates each part of the plot: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. This activity reinforces understanding of literary structure and major story events.
The main events include the Younger family's struggles (Exposition), the arrival of the life insurance check (Conflict), decisions about how to use the money (Rising Action), Walter's confrontation with Karl Lindner (Climax), the family's choice to move (Falling Action), and their hopeful departure (Resolution).
Storyboards help students visually organize and sequence the plot, making it easier to comprehend character motivations, themes, and dramatic structure. This method supports visual learners and encourages creative thinking.
Assign students to illustrate key moments in each plot part, encourage use of images and brief descriptions, and have them work individually or in groups. Focus on scenes that highlight major conflicts, turning points, and the story's resolution.