“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
Students can create a storyboard capturing the narrative arc in a novel with a six-cell storyboard containing the major parts of the plot diagram. For each cell have students create a scene that follows the novel in the 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 “Autumn Gardening”.
Grade Level 9-10
Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)
Type of Assignment Individual or Group
Type of Activity: Plot Diagrams and Narrative Arcs
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 21 Points | Beginning 17 Points | Try Again 13 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Descriptive and Visual Elements | Cells have many descriptive elements, and provide the reader with a vivid representation. | Cells have many descriptive elements, but flow of cells may have been hard to understand. | Cells have few descriptive elements, or have visuals that make the work confusing. | Cells have few or no descriptive elements. |
| Grammar/Spelling | Textables have three or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have four or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have five or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have six or more spelling/grammar errors. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has done both peer and teacher editing. | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has either teacher or peer editing, but not both. | Student has done neither peer, nor teacher editing. | Work shows no evidence of any effort. |
| Plot | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram. | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram, but one or more is confusing. | Parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot difficult to follow. | Almost all of the parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot very difficult to follow. |
Students can create a storyboard capturing the narrative arc in a novel with a six-cell storyboard containing the major parts of the plot diagram. For each cell have students create a scene that follows the novel in the 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 “Autumn Gardening”.
Grade Level 9-10
Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)
Type of Assignment Individual or Group
Type of Activity: Plot Diagrams and Narrative Arcs
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 21 Points | Beginning 17 Points | Try Again 13 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Descriptive and Visual Elements | Cells have many descriptive elements, and provide the reader with a vivid representation. | Cells have many descriptive elements, but flow of cells may have been hard to understand. | Cells have few descriptive elements, or have visuals that make the work confusing. | Cells have few or no descriptive elements. |
| Grammar/Spelling | Textables have three or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have four or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have five or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have six or more spelling/grammar errors. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has done both peer and teacher editing. | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has either teacher or peer editing, but not both. | Student has done neither peer, nor teacher editing. | Work shows no evidence of any effort. |
| Plot | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram. | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram, but one or more is confusing. | Parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot difficult to follow. | Almost all of the parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot very difficult to follow. |
Boost engagement by offering alternative ways for students to demonstrate understanding of the plot. Expanding beyond traditional storyboards lets your class tap different strengths and learning styles.
Foster teamwork by assigning each group a plot stage (e.g., Climax or Resolution). Students brainstorm and illustrate their scene, then share with the class to assemble a giant class plot diagram.
Integrate tech by having students create digital plot diagrams using apps like Storyboard That, Canva, or Google Slides. These tools add visual flair and allow for easy sharing and collaboration.
Spark creativity by inviting students to create a new 'Resolution' cell. This activity deepens comprehension and prompts meaningful discussion about choices and consequences in the story.
Check for mastery by having students or groups briefly present their plot diagram scenes. Oral summaries encourage clear thinking and boost confidence in sharing ideas aloud.
A plot diagram for 'Autumn Gardening' visually organizes the story into six key elements: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Each part helps students understand the narrative flow and main events.
Students can create a storyboard by dividing the story into six cells, each representing a major plot point. In each cell, they illustrate a scene and write a brief description for Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
To make a plot diagram lesson, start by explaining the six plot elements. Then, assign students to read 'Autumn Gardening', identify each element in the story, create visual scenes, and write short descriptions for each part.
Using a plot diagram helps students break down the story into manageable sections, making it easier to analyze character development, main events, and the overall structure of 'Autumn Gardening'.
Use visual aids, encourage group or individual storyboards, ask students to describe each plot stage, and connect the story's events to the six plot elements. This approach reinforces plot structure understanding for grades 9–10.
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
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