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 help students develop greater understanding of literary structures. Sometimes students will really have to think carefully about which events are major turning points in the plot.
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.
One night, Mako's grandfather tells him of a creature that inhabits the lagoon near the village. This creature, Tupa, has frightened the villagers for many years. King Opu Nui has offered a reward for Tupa’s capture.
Mako’s mother believes it is time for Mako to learn the truth, and the main conflict arises. His father was one of the fishermen who was killed by the shark, Tupa. He vows to kill the shark to avenge his father and to claim the reward.
Mako's mother sends him on an errand. Mako and his dog, Afa, travel to a nearby island to pick some bananas and oranges. Mako imagines the reef as a great white shark, and dreams of defeating Tupa.
Mako sees Tupa’s dorsal fin circling the canoe. Afa falls into the water and is in danger! Mako kills the shark with his spear.
After Mako’s great victory, Mako ties the shark's tail to the boat and tows it behind him. He brings the shark back home.
The villagers are thrilled that Mako has defeated Tupa. Mako will be awarded thirty acres of land and a canoe after a celebration feast the next day.
(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 "Ghost of the Lagoon".
Character analysis helps students dive deeper into the story by focusing on the traits, motivations, and changes of key figures. This builds critical thinking and comprehension.
Guide students to pick either Mako or another key character. This ensures focus and encourages discussion about character importance.
Have students brainstorm adjectives that describe their chosen character. Challenge them to cite specific words or actions from the story that support each trait.
Ask students to note how the character behaves in each part of the plot diagram. This highlights growth, challenges, and key moments of decision.
Encourage students to connect the character’s decisions to the resolution and themes of the story. This deepens understanding and makes the lesson more meaningful.
"Ghost of the Lagoon" follows Mako as he confronts the legendary shark Tupa to avenge his father and protect his village. The story traces his journey from learning about Tupa, facing his fears, to ultimately defeating the shark and earning a hero's reward.
Students can make a plot diagram by dividing the story into six parts: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. For each part, they should illustrate a key event and add a short description to explain its role in the narrative arc.
The major events include: Mako learns about Tupa (Exposition), vows to defeat the shark (Conflict), journeys to the island (Rising Action), faces and kills Tupa (Climax), returns with the shark (Falling Action), and is celebrated by the villagers (Resolution).
The best way is to have students create a visual storyboard or diagram. This helps reinforce the six key plot elements and encourages deeper understanding by connecting images with plot points and descriptions.
"Ghost of the Lagoon" is effective because it features clear plot elements, relatable characters, and dramatic tension, making it easy for students to identify each part of the narrative. Its engaging storyline also keeps students interested while learning literary concepts.