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.
This sample lesson plan, 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.
Marvin is ten years old, and his father is taking him through the different levels of the Colony to a place he’s never been before: Outside. They hop into a little scouting vehicle with a pressurized cabin and take off away from the Colony.
Marvin has never before seen the Outside, and he wonders where his father is taking him. Everything he knows about the Outside has come from books. He wonders why an old book of his father’s has the rhyme, "Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are" in it when the stars are steady specks of light.
As Marvin and his father leave the plateau with the Colony on it behind, they enter a darkened world surrounded by high mountains. Marvin is nervous as they pass a crashed rocket and darkened paths. He observes that his father is driving like he’s trying to escape from something.
Finally, after hours of driving, Marvin sees something strange. A silver crescent floats over the horizon, and it is not the sun. Marvin realizes that this is Earth, and it is awash in the glow of the sun; he is seeing Earth from the moon. However, there is also a glow in the darker parts of the Earth from the nuclear war that destroyed it.
Marvin’s father tells him the story about the days of despair that followed the war, when the people of the Colony realized they were alone. As he speaks, Marvin realizes that the people of the Colony bring their children there for a purpose: to show them that eventually, one day, after the nuclear fallout has decayed, they need to return home.
As they drive back to the Colony, Marvin can’t look behind him. He feels the desolation of exile because he knows he will never get to go home; however, he also understands his purpose: to have children, to show them Earth, and to eventually get the human race back home.
(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 "If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth…".
Boost engagement by having students work together to map the story’s structure. Small groups foster discussion and help students analyze major plot points more deeply.
Increase participation by giving each student a unique responsibility (e.g., Exposition Expert, Climax Creator). This encourages ownership and ensures every voice is heard during the activity.
Support all learners by displaying a sample plot diagram and offering blank templates. Visuals make abstract concepts concrete and guide students as they create their own diagrams.
Promote critical thinking by having groups share their diagrams and give constructive feedback. Students learn to evaluate narrative structure and refine their understanding through discussion.
Encourage pride and reflection by displaying finished plot diagrams around the classroom. Invite students to walk around, view each other’s work, and leave positive comments.
The plot diagram of "If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth…" includes six key stages: Exposition (Marvin and his father prepare to leave the Colony), Conflict (Marvin’s curiosity and uncertainty about the Outside), Rising Action (their tense journey through the desolate landscape), Climax (Marvin sees the ruined Earth from the Moon), Falling Action (Marvin’s father explains their exile), and Resolution (Marvin accepts his role in humanity’s future).
Students can create a storyboard by dividing the story into six parts: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. For each section, draw or select images that represent key moments, and write a brief description to summarize the event in that part of the plot.
Major themes include exile, hope for humanity’s return to Earth, the consequences of nuclear war, and the importance of passing knowledge and purpose to future generations.
Teaching plot structure helps students understand how stories are organized, identify key events, and analyze character development. It also improves reading comprehension and critical thinking skills, making literature more accessible and engaging.
The best way is to use a visual plot diagram where students break down the story into its core parts, create images or scenes for each, and write short descriptions. This approach reinforces understanding and makes abstract plot elements tangible.