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 Return to Sender. 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 Return to Sender.
Student Instructions:
Engage students by using the plot diagram as a visual anchor during your discussion. Prompt students to reference specific events and encourage them to connect plot points to character decisions for deeper analysis.
Project the plot diagram and invite students to suggest which events mark major changes in the story. This promotes collaborative analysis and ensures everyone understands the narrative structure.
Guide students to discuss how key events on the diagram illustrate central themes, such as family, immigration, or friendship. This connects plot understanding to deeper literary analysis.
Have students think individually about a plot event, discuss with a partner, then share insights with the class. This structure builds confidence and ensures all voices are heard.
Close the discussion by asking students to reflect on how the plot diagram helped them understand the story. Encourage them to share personal takeaways or lingering questions.
A plot diagram for Return to Sender visually outlines the main events of Julia Alvarez's novel using sections like Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. It helps students track key turning points and understand the story's structure.
Students can create a visual plot diagram by dividing the story into six parts—Title, Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution—then drawing or selecting images that represent each major event, and writing brief descriptions for each section.
The main steps are: 1) Separate the story into plot parts, 2) Identify key events for each part, 3) Create images representing these moments, and 4) Write descriptions explaining their significance. This activity builds comprehension and analytical skills.
Making a plot diagram helps students recognize the narrative arc, remember important events, and see how characters and conflicts develop over time, deepening their understanding of both the story and literary structure.
Use clear examples, encourage students to use visuals and brief text, focus on identifying turning points, and discuss each plot part's role in the story. Interactive activities like storyboards can boost engagement and comprehension.