A common use for Storyboard That is to help students create a plot diagram of the events from a story. Not only is this a great way to teach the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and helps 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.
Esperanza lives with her mother, father, and abuelita (grandmother) on El Rancho de las Rosas, a large vineyard in 1930s Mexico. Due to the family land, wealth, and faithful servants, Esperanza has lived a happy and privileged life with plenty of food, dresses, toys, and fun.
When Papa is killed by bandits, his brothers, Tio Luis and Tio Marco, try to take over his home. When Mama refuses to marry Tio Luis, he burns down the house and vineyard. After this, Mama and Esperanza decide to secretly move to the U.S. with their servants Hortensia, Alfonso, and Miguel. Sadly, they must leave Abuelita behind for now.
Esperanza has difficulty adjusting to the work and the poor conditions in the farm camps in Los Angeles. When Mama is sent to the hospital, she begins working in the fields to support them. Each week, Esperanza saves a little money to pay for Abuelita's journey to the U.S. She never knows if the work will last, though, due to the threat of labor strikes.
Esperanza reaches her breaking point and tells Miguel she no longer has hope for the future. The next day, Miguel disappears, taking Esperanza's money with him.
Eventually, Mama comes home from the hospital. A little later, Miguel returns home with a surprise: he has brought Abuelita all the way from Mexico!
Esperanza celebrates her first birthday after Papa's death. She has struggled through many difficulties, but grown stronger as a result. Her family is back together, and she once again has hope for the future.
(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 Esperanza Rising.