Creating a plot diagram not only helps students learn the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and help students develop greater understanding of literary structures. 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. In this activity, students will create a visual plot diagram of major events in Dragonwings. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Dragonwings has many different subplots, so students may interpret these parts very differently. The example given is just one way to interpret the plot.
Exposition: It is the early 1900s, and Moon Shadow, a young boy of just 7 years old, goes to live with his father, who he hasn’t met, in America. As Chinese immigrants in San Francisco, Moon Shadow, his father, and their extended family face many challenges while trying to run a successful laundromat.
Rising Action: The devastating San Francisco Earthquake of 1906 hits the area and there is massive destruction.
Climax: Windrider completes his airplane and everyone shows up to help him push it up the hill and watch him fly.
Falling Action: After a few minutes of flight, the plane crashes, leaving Windrider with some broken bones, but a joyful heart.
Resolution: The Company makes Windrider a partner in the business so that he can bring his wife over to America.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a visual plot diagram of Dragonwings.
Student Instructions:
Facilitate a class discussion after students complete their plot diagrams to encourage critical thinking about major events and turning points. Invite students to share and compare their interpretations, highlighting how each identifies key plot elements. This collaborative reflection helps students recognize multiple perspectives and strengthens comprehension of literary structure.
Pair students and ask them to exchange plot diagrams. Guide them to discuss similarities and differences in their identification of the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Encourage respectful dialogue about why they chose certain scenes, fostering deeper insight into narrative structure.
Require students to select and share specific passages from Dragonwings that support their choices for each plot element. Model how to cite the text and explain their reasoning. This step strengthens close reading skills and reinforces comprehension.
Encourage students to reflect on peer discussions and feedback. Allow them to make thoughtful changes to their diagrams, supporting a growth mindset and demonstrating that interpretation can evolve with new perspectives. Highlight the value of collaborative learning.
Dragonwings follows Moon Shadow, a young Chinese immigrant in early 1900s San Francisco, as he reunites with his father and faces challenges in America. Key events include the 1906 earthquake, Windrider's dream of flight, and the family's efforts to overcome hardship and achieve their dreams.
To create a plot diagram for Dragonwings, divide the story into six parts: Title, Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Identify major events for each section and illustrate or describe them to show the narrative arc.
Major turning points in Dragonwings include Moon Shadow's arrival in America, the 1906 earthquake, Windrider building his airplane, the flight and crash, and the family's new opportunities after the flight.
Creating a plot diagram helps students break down complex stories like Dragonwings, reinforce major events, and deepen understanding of literary structure by visually mapping out the narrative.
An example plot diagram for Dragonwings includes the Exposition (Moon Shadow arrives in America), Rising Action (1906 earthquake), Climax (Windrider's flight), Falling Action (plane crash), and Resolution (Windrider becomes a business partner).