A common use for Storyboard That is to help students create a plot diagram, or a heroes journey 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.
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.
Your plot diagram may look very different, depending on student level. The details of the story vary text by text, and you may wish to include Jason's betrayal of Medea after they reach Corinth.
Pelias succeeded Kretheus in Iolkos, preventing Aison, Jason's father, from becoming king. Jason's mother saves him and sends him to grow up with Chiron, the centaur and trainer of heroes.
Years later, Hera encourages Jason to journey to Iolkos. He helps an old woman and loses a sandal while crossing the river. Pelias had received a warning from an oracle about a stranger with only one sandal, and sent Jason on a perilous quest.
Jason sets sail with many mighty heroes in the Argo, a ship which shared the prophetic powers of a sacred oak of Zeus. Among the encounters of the Argonauts include the island of Lemnos, Phineus and the harpies, and the Clashing Rocks.
Aietes agrees to let Jason take the Golden Fleece if he can accomplish three tasks. With the help of Medea, Jason succeeds and claims his prize. The Argo heads home, but is chased by the king. To escape, Medea butchered her brother & scattered him in the ocean.
As punishment, Zeus sends storms to blow the Argo off course. The Argo itself speaks and suggests seeking Circe out for purification.
The Argonauts successfully make it home, despite several obstacles.
(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 Jason's myth.
Encourage students to work together in groups and retell the Golden Fleece using their own words and creativity. This builds teamwork and helps reinforce key plot points for all learners.
Divide students so each person has a character or narrator role. Assigning parts ensures participation and makes the retelling more engaging for everyone.
Have groups write short scripts for their section and sketch simple storyboards. This helps students visualize the sequence of events and connect text to images.
Allow time for each group to rehearse together, practicing both lines and movements. Encourage expressive reading and teamwork to boost student confidence.
Let each group perform their retelling in order. Afterward, discuss how the story structure helped everyone understand the myth and what students learned from the activity.
A plot diagram for Jason and the Golden Fleece is a visual tool that outlines the key events of the myth, including the exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. It helps students understand the narrative structure and major turning points in the story.
To teach the Golden Fleece plot diagram to middle school students, have them create a six-cell storyboard, illustrating and describing each part of the narrative: exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Encourage creativity and discussion for deeper understanding.
The main events in Jason and the Argonauts include Jason's birth and upbringing, his quest for the Golden Fleece, encounters with challenges like the Clashing Rocks, Medea's assistance, obtaining the Fleece, and the return journey home.
Using a plot diagram breaks down complex stories into manageable parts, making it easier for students to identify key moments, understand cause and effect, and remember the sequence of events in myths such as the Golden Fleece.
To make a storyboard plot diagram lesson engaging, let students choose scenes to illustrate, use digital tools like Storyboard That, allow group collaboration, and discuss how different stories can have unique plot structures.