The Luckiest Time of All by Clifton: Plot Diagram

Q: What is a plot diagram for "The Luckiest Time of All"?

A plot diagram for "The Luckiest Time of All" visually maps out the story's structure, including the exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action , and resolution . Each section highlights major events, helping students understand how the narrative unfolds and teaching key elements of literary structure.

Q: How can students create a storyboard for "The Luckiest Time of All"?

Students can create a storyboard by dividing the story into six parts: exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. For each part, they illustrate a key scene and write a brief description, using tools like Storyboard That to organize and visualize the narrative arc.

Q: Why is teaching plot structure important for middle school students?

Teaching plot structure helps middle school students understand how stories are built, recognize major turning points, and improve reading comprehension. It also supports their ability to analyze and create compelling narratives themselves.

Q: What tools can teachers use to help students visualize story plots?

Teachers can use digital tools like Storyboard That to help students visualize story plots. These platforms allow students to create illustrated plot diagrams, making it easier to grasp narrative structure and remember key events.

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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. Sometimes students will really have to think carefully about which events are major turning points in the plot.

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 short story in sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.

Example "The Luckiest Time of All" Plot Diagram

Exposition

Elzie Pickens, an elderly woman, sits in a rocking chair. Her great-granddaughter, Tee gives her some dogwood blossoms that remind Elzie about a story from her youth.

Conflict

Elzie and her friend, Ovella, ran away to a traveling show. They found a dog in a tutu dancing to music for pennies. Elzie accidentally throws her lucky stone at the dancing dog. The rock hit him on the nose!

Rising Action

The angry dog chases after her all over the grounds. Elzie runs as fast as she can to avoid being bitten. The crowd cheers for this new show.

Climax

A handsome young man lassos thedog and saves Elzie. He also helps her look for her missing lucky stone.

Falling Action

After all the excitement, Elzie and Ovella decide not to join the traveling show and walk home. The young man who saved Elzie accompanies them back to make sure they reach home safely.

Resolution

Elzie reflects with Tee that hitting the dog with the stone seemed unlucky, but really led to Elzie meeting Amos Pickens, her future husband. It was truly the luckiest time of all.

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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 "The Luckiest Time of All".

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 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)

Type of Assignment Individual or Partner

Type of Activity: Plot Diagrams and Narrative Arcs

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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

Example "The Luckiest Time of All" Plot Diagram

Exposition

Elzie Pickens, an elderly woman, sits in a rocking chair. Her great-granddaughter, Tee gives her some dogwood blossoms that remind Elzie about a story from her youth.

Conflict

Rising Action

The angry dog chases after her all over the grounds. Elzie runs as fast as she can to avoid being bitten. The crowd cheers for this new show.

Climax

A handsome young man lassos thedog and saves Elzie. He also helps her look for her missing lucky stone.

Falling Action

After all the excitement, Elzie and Ovella decide not to join the traveling show and walk home. The young man who saved Elzie accompanies them back to make sure they reach home safely.

Resolution

Elzie reflects with Tee that hitting the dog with the stone seemed unlucky, but really led to Elzie meeting Amos Pickens, her future husband. It was truly the luckiest time of all.

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 "The Luckiest Time of All".

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 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)

Type of Assignment Individual or Partner

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 \"The Luckiest Time of All\" Summary

Use character perspective to deepen plot diagram analysis

Encourage students to retell each plot point from a main character’s perspective. This builds empathy and helps them connect emotionally to the story’s events.

Guide students to choose key events collaboratively

Have pairs discuss which events best represent each plot stage before drawing. This promotes critical thinking and ensures that students focus on the most important moments in the story.

Model how to match visuals with plot elements

Show examples of simple illustrations that capture story action. This makes expectations clear and supports students who may struggle with visualizing story scenes.

Prompt students to add captions explaining their images

Ask students to write a brief caption or description under each image. This reinforces comprehension and helps them articulate the significance of each plot event.

Facilitate peer sharing and feedback on completed diagrams

Organize a gallery walk or partner exchange so students can share their diagrams and learn from each other’s interpretations. This encourages discussion and deeper understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions about \"The Luckiest Time of All\" Summary

What is a plot diagram for "The Luckiest Time of All"?

A plot diagram for "The Luckiest Time of All" visually maps out the story's structure, including the exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Each section highlights major events, helping students understand how the narrative unfolds and teaching key elements of literary structure.

How can students create a storyboard for "The Luckiest Time of All"?

Students can create a storyboard by dividing the story into six parts: exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. For each part, they illustrate a key scene and write a brief description, using tools like Storyboard That to organize and visualize the narrative arc.

What are the main events in the plot of "The Luckiest Time of All"?

The main events include Elzie Pickens recalling her youth, her adventure at the traveling show, accidentally hitting a dancing dog with her lucky stone, being chased, getting rescued by a young man, and realizing that this moment led to meeting her future husband—making it her luckiest time.

Why is teaching plot structure important for middle school students?

Teaching plot structure helps middle school students understand how stories are built, recognize major turning points, and improve reading comprehension. It also supports their ability to analyze and create compelling narratives themselves.

What tools can teachers use to help students visualize story plots?

Teachers can use digital tools like Storyboard That to help students visualize story plots. These platforms allow students to create illustrated plot diagrams, making it easier to grasp narrative structure and remember key events.