Creating a plot diagram not only helps students learn the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and helps students develop a 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. In this activity, students will create a visual plot diagram of major events in Kira-Kira. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a visual plot diagram for Kira-Kira.
Student Instructions:
Bring characters to life by connecting their development to key plot points. Students gain deeper insights into how events shape each character's journey in Kira-Kira.
Select one character, such as Katie or Lynn, to track throughout the story. This helps students concentrate their analysis and notice important changes over time.
At every plot diagram stage—Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution—list key traits or emotions your chosen character displays. This highlights growth and challenges in the narrative.
Encourage students to draw or write a brief note showing how the character responds at each story point. Visuals and reflections make the analysis engaging and memorable.
Wrap up the activity by facilitating a class discussion on how the plot shapes the character's actions, beliefs, or relationships. This deepens comprehension and connects plot with personal development.
A plot diagram for Kira-Kira visually breaks down the novel’s key events into five main parts: Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. This helps students understand the structure and flow of the story.
To create a plot diagram for Kira-Kira, have students separate the story into its main components—Title, Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. For each, students should draw or select images and write short descriptions of the key moments.
The main events in Kira-Kira include the family’s move, Lynn’s illness, Katie’s struggles, the family’s hardships, Lynn’s passing (Climax), and the family’s journey toward healing (Resolution).
Using a plot diagram helps students visually organize major events, deepen their understanding of the story’s structure, and reinforce literary elements like the narrative arc and turning points.
An example of rising action in Kira-Kira is when Katie and her family face challenges adjusting to their new life and Lynn’s health begins to decline, building tension toward the story’s climax.