Johnny Tremain Plot Diagram: Storyboard That's Guide

Q: What is a plot diagram for Johnny Tremain?

A plot diagram for Johnny Tremain is a visual tool that maps out the major events of the story using six elements: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action , and Resolution . This helps students understand the narrative structure and key moments in Esther Forbes' novel.

Q: How can students create a Johnny Tremain plot diagram in the classroom?

Students can create a Johnny Tremain plot diagram by using a six-cell storyboard. For each cell, they illustrate and describe a key event: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action , and Resolution , following the sequence of the story.

Q: Why is teaching plot structure with Johnny Tremain effective for middle school students?

Teaching plot structure with Johnny Tremain engages middle school students by connecting literary concepts to a compelling historical novel. It helps reinforce understanding of story elements while making learning interactive and relevant.

Q: What are the major events to include in a Johnny Tremain plot diagram?

Key events for a Johnny Tremain plot diagram include Johnny’s apprenticeship, his accident, joining the Sons of Liberty, the Boston Tea Party, the battle at Lexington and Concord, Rab’s death, and Johnny’s decision to continue the fight for independence.

Q: What tools or resources can help students make a Johnny Tremain plot diagram easily?

Students can use Storyboard That , printable templates, or drawing apps to create a Johnny Tremain plot diagram . Digital storyboarding platforms let students visually organize and describe each plot element, making the process quick and engaging.

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Lesson Plan Overview

Template and Class Instructions

Student Rubric

Lesson Plan Overview

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.

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.

Johnny Tremain Plot Diagram Example

Exposition

Johnny Tremain is an apprentice to Mr. Lapham, a Boston silversmith. The whole Lapham family admires Johnny for his talents and intelligence. Johnny is proud of his abilities and confidently plans to take over his master's shop and marry Cilla Lapham in a few years.

Conflict

When Johnny burns his hand in a silversmithing accident, his life falls apart. His future as a silversmith is over, his betrothal to Cilla is canceled, and his position in the Lapham household sinks rapidly.

Rising Action

Johnny begins a new life living with the Lornes and working with the Sons of Liberty. He participates in the Boston Tea Party and supports the Patriots' cause as a paperboy and messenger.

Climax

The first battle of the Revolutionary War is fought at Lexington and Concord. There is no turning back.

Falling Action

After the battle, Johnny searches all over for Rab. Shortly after Johnny locates him, Rab dies of a battle wound.

Resolution

Johnny takes Rab's gun and learns from Dr. Warren that his hand can be fixed. Johnny is ready to take Rab's place and fight for a new nation.

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Template and Class Instructions

(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 Johnny Tremain.

Click "Start Assignment".
Separate the story into the Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the story components.
Write a description of each of the steps in the plot diagram.

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 6-8

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual, Partner, or Group

Type of Activity: Plot Diagrams and Narrative Arcs

Switch to: Common Core • Arizona • California • Colorado • Florida • Georgia • Iowa • Kansas • Maryland • Massachusetts • Nebraska • New Jersey • New York • North Carolina • Ohio • Oklahoma • Pennsylvania • Texas • Utah

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Student Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

Plot Diagram Rubric for Middle School

Create a plot diagram for the story using Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.

	Proficient 33 Points	Emerging 25 Points	Beginning 17 Points
Plot Images	Cells include images that convey events in the corresponding stage of the plot. The images represent an important moment and exemplify the descriptions below them.	Cells include one or two images that convey events from an incorrect stage of the plot. Most images represent an important moment and exemplify the descriptions below them.	Cells include three or more images that convey events from an incorrect stage of the plot. Images depict minor and inimportant moments or do not reflect the descriptions below them.
Plot Text	The storyboard correctly identifies all six stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells correctly breaks down the plot events into appropriate stages. The text gives a logical overview of the plot and includes the most significant events of the book.	The storyboard misidentifies one or two stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells breaks down most of the plot events into appropriate stages. The text gives a logical overview of the plot, but may omit some significant events of the book.	The storyboard misidentifies three or more stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells does not correspond to the events of that stage. Overall plot description is not logical.
Spelling and Grammar	Spelling and grammar is exemplary. Text contains few or no mistakes.	Text contains some significant errors in spelling or grammar.	Text contains many errors in spelling or grammar.

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Lesson Plan Overview

Johnny Tremain Plot Diagram Example

Exposition

Conflict

Rising Action

Johnny begins a new life living with the Lornes and working with the Sons of Liberty. He participates in the Boston Tea Party and supports the Patriots' cause as a paperboy and messenger.

Climax

The first battle of the Revolutionary War is fought at Lexington and Concord. There is no turning back.

Falling Action

After the battle, Johnny searches all over for Rab. Shortly after Johnny locates him, Rab dies of a battle wound.

Resolution

Johnny takes Rab's gun and learns from Dr. Warren that his hand can be fixed. Johnny is ready to take Rab's place and fight for a new nation.

Copy Activity

Template and Class Instructions

(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 Johnny Tremain.

Click "Start Assignment".
Separate the story into the Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the story components.
Write a description of each of the steps in the plot diagram.

More options

Copy This Storyboard

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 6-8

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual, Partner, or Group

Type of Activity: Plot Diagrams and Narrative Arcs

Copy Activity

Student Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

Plot Diagram Rubric for Middle School

Create a plot diagram for the story using Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.

	Proficient 33 Points	Emerging 25 Points	Beginning 17 Points
Plot Images	Cells include images that convey events in the corresponding stage of the plot. The images represent an important moment and exemplify the descriptions below them.	Cells include one or two images that convey events from an incorrect stage of the plot. Most images represent an important moment and exemplify the descriptions below them.	Cells include three or more images that convey events from an incorrect stage of the plot. Images depict minor and inimportant moments or do not reflect the descriptions below them.
Plot Text	The storyboard correctly identifies all six stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells correctly breaks down the plot events into appropriate stages. The text gives a logical overview of the plot and includes the most significant events of the book.	The storyboard misidentifies one or two stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells breaks down most of the plot events into appropriate stages. The text gives a logical overview of the plot, but may omit some significant events of the book.	The storyboard misidentifies three or more stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells does not correspond to the events of that stage. Overall plot description is not logical.
Spelling and Grammar	Spelling and grammar is exemplary. Text contains few or no mistakes.	Text contains some significant errors in spelling or grammar.	Text contains many errors in spelling or grammar.

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How Tos about Johnny Tremain Plot Diagram Activity

Incorporate Character Analysis into Your Johnny Tremain Plot Diagram

Enhancing your plot diagram with character analysis helps students deepen their understanding of how characters drive the story and change over time. Adding this layer encourages critical thinking and personal connection to the text.

Choose a main character to focus on throughout the plot diagram

Select Johnny or another key figure from the story as your central character. Focusing on one character allows students to track personal growth and decisions at each stage of the plot.

Add a character thoughts or feelings caption to each storyboard cell

Write a sentence or two in each cell describing what your chosen character is thinking or feeling during that plot point. This step encourages empathy and supports comprehension of character motivation.

Compare the character’s traits at the beginning and end of the story

Discuss or list how the character changes from the exposition to the resolution. This activity helps students identify character development and connect it to major events.

Facilitate a class share-out or reflection on character journeys

Invite students to present their diagrams and share insights about their character’s journey. This not only builds speaking skills but also fosters a community of readers who learn from each other’s perspectives.

Frequently Asked Questions about Johnny Tremain Plot Diagram Activity

What is a plot diagram for Johnny Tremain?

A plot diagram for Johnny Tremain is a visual tool that maps out the major events of the story using six elements: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. This helps students understand the narrative structure and key moments in Esther Forbes' novel.

How can students create a Johnny Tremain plot diagram in the classroom?

Students can create a Johnny Tremain plot diagram by using a six-cell storyboard. For each cell, they illustrate and describe a key event: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution, following the sequence of the story.

Why is teaching plot structure with Johnny Tremain effective for middle school students?

Teaching plot structure with Johnny Tremain engages middle school students by connecting literary concepts to a compelling historical novel. It helps reinforce understanding of story elements while making learning interactive and relevant.

What are the major events to include in a Johnny Tremain plot diagram?

Key events for a Johnny Tremain plot diagram include Johnny’s apprenticeship, his accident, joining the Sons of Liberty, the Boston Tea Party, the battle at Lexington and Concord, Rab’s death, and Johnny’s decision to continue the fight for independence.

What tools or resources can help students make a Johnny Tremain plot diagram easily?

Students can use Storyboard That, printable templates, or drawing apps to create a Johnny Tremain plot diagram. Digital storyboarding platforms let students visually organize and describe each plot element, making the process quick and engaging.