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 book in sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Stuart is a mouse born to a caring human family. Even though he is very different from the rest of his family, he uses his size to his advantage. He helps find his mother’s mother’s ring down a drain.
Snowbell, the cat, causes trouble for Stuart. When Stuart gets stuck in a window shade, he places Stuart's hat and cane at a mouse hole. The Littles were very upset to find that Stuart had left. Luckily, George found Stuart before too long.
The Little family adopt a wounded bird named, Margalo. A true friendship is formed between Stuart and Margalo.
Snowbell's friend Angora threatens the life of Margalo and she flees without telling Stuart. Stuart is very distraught at her departure.
Stuart sets off on a quest in a toy car to find Margalo. He stops in a town called Ames Crossing and meets a girl his own size, Harriet Ames. He invites her on a date, but his plans are ruined and he is inconsolable.
He has not yet found his friend Margalo, but he feels confident that he can. Stuart drives north, knowing he is going in the right direction.
(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 Stuart Little.
Engage your students by working together to build a plot diagram. Collaboration helps students share ideas and deepen understanding of story structure.
Divide your class into small groups and assign each group a different plot element (Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, or Resolution). This gives every student a clear focus and encourages teamwork.
Ask each group to reread the part of the book that relates to their assigned element. Close reading ensures accuracy and helps students gather key details for their section.
Invite each group to draw or digitally create a scene for their plot element and write a brief description. Visuals and summaries make ideas clear for everyone.
Bring the class together to assemble each group's scene and description into one large plot diagram. Review and discuss the full story arc as a class to reinforce understanding.
A plot diagram is a visual tool that breaks down a story into key parts: exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Using a plot diagram for Stuart Little helps students grasp the main events and understand how the narrative develops from beginning to end.
To create a plot diagram for Stuart Little, have students divide the story into six sections: exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. For each section, students can draw or describe a scene from the book that matches that part of the narrative.
The main events are: Exposition – Stuart is born to a human family; Conflict – Snowbell the cat causes trouble; Rising Action – Stuart befriends Margalo; Climax – Margalo flees after a threat; Falling Action – Stuart searches for Margalo; Resolution – Stuart feels hopeful as he continues his journey.
Visual storyboards help elementary students by making abstract concepts concrete. They allow students to organize events, see the story’s structure, and better remember key details, supporting both comprehension and engagement.
Encourage students to look for the most exciting or turning point in the story. In Stuart Little, the climax is when Margalo flees, which deeply affects Stuart. Ask students to consider which event changes the direction of the story most dramatically.