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.
Douglass is born sometime around 1818 and grows up as a slave on cruel plantation in Maryland. He sees his mother a handful of times before she dies, and he grows up hungry, cold, and unloved.
Douglass is enslaved for life and becomes increasingly unhappy about this reality.
At a young age. Douglass is transferred to the family of Hugh Auld in Baltimore where he learns to read and develops a hatred of slavery. Due to a series of deaths and inheritances, Douglass is moved back and forth between Baltimore and various other locations, eventually ending up under the ownership of Thomas Auld in St. Michael’s, Maryland.
The turning point in Douglass's life occurs when he fights back against the vicious slave breaker Edward Covey. By standing up for himself, Douglass gains a sense of self-respect and an increased desire for freedom.
Douglass plans to escape from Mr. Freeland but is betrayed and imprisoned. Eventually he ends up back with Hugh Auld in Baltimore. Here he works as a ship caulker and earns a small amount of money he hopes to use in a second escape attempt.
Eventually, in 1838, Douglass succeeds in escaping to New York City. He marries Anna Murray, a free woman who followed him north from Baltimore, and begins his life as a free man.
(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 Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.
Engage students by creating a chronological timeline of key events from Frederick Douglass's life. Timelines help students visualize historical progression and connect major moments, strengthening comprehension and retention.
Have each student (or group) identify five pivotal moments in Douglass's life. Encourage use of classroom materials or approved websites to ensure accuracy and relevance.
Ask students to draw or digitally design cards representing each milestone, including dates and a brief description. Adding visuals and text supports multiple learning styles and makes the activity interactive.
Display the timeline cards in order across a wall or bulletin board. Invite students to present their milestones and discuss why each event was significant to Douglass's journey.
Facilitate a group reflection on how the chosen milestones shaped Douglass's character and contributions. This helps students synthesize information and understand the impact of his legacy.
A plot diagram for 'Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass' visually outlines the main events of Douglass's journey from slavery to freedom. It includes the exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, helping students understand the story's structure and key moments.
Students can create a storyboard by dividing the story into six main parts: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. For each section, they draw or design a scene, then write a brief description of the events in that part of Frederick Douglass’s life.
Plot diagrams help students break down complex narratives like Douglass's autobiography, making it easier to identify major themes, follow character development, and understand cause-and-effect relationships within the story.
The key events include Douglass's birth into slavery, learning to read, resisting the slave breaker Edward Covey, planning his escape, and achieving freedom. Each event fits into a specific plot stage, illustrating Douglass’s path to liberation.
The climax occurs when Frederick Douglass fights back against Edward Covey, the slave breaker. This act marks a turning point, giving Douglass a sense of self-respect and fueling his determination to gain freedom.