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 Other Words for Home. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a visual plot diagram for Other Words for Home.
Student Instructions:
Encourage students to reflect on the main themes of the story after finishing their plot diagrams. This helps students connect plot events to deeper meanings and personal experiences.
Ask questions like, "What message do you think the author wanted to share?" or "How did the main character’s journey reflect broader ideas?" Open-ended questions spark critical thinking and personal connections.
Demonstrate by composing a brief paragraph that links a plot event to a major theme. Show how to use specific examples from their diagrams to support their thoughts.
Guide students to write a few sentences or a paragraph about what they learned from the story’s themes. This step encourages personal expression and comprehension.
Facilitate a class discussion where students can share their reflections. This builds community and allows students to see different perspectives on the story.
A plot diagram for Other Words for Home visually maps out the main story events, including the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution, helping students understand the novel’s structure and key moments.
To teach students, guide them to separate the story into six parts: Title, Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Have them illustrate each part with an image and a brief description highlighting major events and characters.
The major events in Other Words for Home include Jude’s move from Syria, adjusting to a new school, facing challenges in America, reaching a turning point at the school play, and ultimately finding a sense of belonging and hope.
Creating a plot diagram helps middle school students break down complex stories, recognize narrative structure, and improve reading comprehension by visually connecting key plot points and themes.
Students can use online storyboard creators, printable templates, or drawing apps to build a visual plot diagram. These resources allow students to add images, text, and descriptions for each story element.