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 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.
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.
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.
The first battle of the Revolutionary War is fought at Lexington and Concord. There is no turning back.
After the battle, Johnny searches all over for Rab. Shortly after Johnny locates him, Rab dies of a battle wound.
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.
(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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.