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.
Tom Sawyer lives in St. Petersburg, Missouri with his Aunt Polly, cousin Mary, and brother Sid. Tom is a mischievous twelve-year-old with a vivid imagination. He routinely skips school and chores in favor of playing pirates, robbers, and other adventures with his friends.
During one of Tom’s midnight adventures with his friend Huck, the two witness Injun Joe murder Dr. Robinson. When they discover that Muff Potter has been arrested for the murder, they are too afraid to reveal the truth.
When Injun Joe disappears, Tom returns to his old ways. He and his friends run away to Jackson’s Island and return days later to attend their own funeral. Later, they spy Injun Joe returned in disguise with a secret treasure. Fascinated, Huck stays in town to watch Joe, while Tom goes on an outing with Becky Thatcher to McDougal’s cave.
Huck overhears Injun Joe’s plans to kill the Widow Douglas. He runs for help just in time to save her. Shortly afterward, Tom spots Injun Joe in the cave.
The Widow Douglas takes in Huck and cares for him while he is sick. Tom and Becky escape from the cave, and Judge Thatcher seals it up, unwittingly trapping Injun Joe and causing his death by starvation.
Tom and Huck uncover Injun Joe’s treasure in the cave. Between their adventures, heroism, and newfound wealth, the two have become a celebrated pair in St. Petersburg.
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Student Instructions
Create a visual plot diagram of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
Enhancing your literature unit with character analysis helps students deeply understand motivations, relationships, and growth in Tom Sawyer.
Guide students to identify Tom, Huck, Becky, and other key figures. Discuss their traits, relationships, and roles in the story to build background knowledge.
Ask students to note what each main character does, says, and feels throughout the plot. Encourage them to focus on moments that reveal personality or growth.
Divide students into groups to talk about how and why Tom, Huck, or Becky change during the story. Promote using evidence from the text to support their ideas.
Direct students to visually organize details about a chosen character using a graphic organizer. Include traits, significant actions, relationships, and important quotes.
Invite students to present their character maps or findings to the class. Discuss similarities and differences in interpretations to foster critical thinking.
A plot diagram for The Adventures of Tom Sawyer visually breaks down the story into key parts: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. It helps students track major events and understand the narrative structure.
To teach Tom Sawyer’s plot structure, have students create a six-cell storyboard with scenes for each plot part. This hands-on activity lets students visualize and summarize the main events in sequence, reinforcing comprehension and literary analysis.
The main events include: Tom’s mischievous life in St. Petersburg, witnessing a murder, running away, spying on Injun Joe, rescuing the Widow Douglas, escaping the cave, and finding treasure. Each event corresponds to a part of the plot diagram.
Using a storyboard engages students visually and creatively, helping them break down complex stories, remember key events, and grasp literary elements like plot, conflict, and resolution. It also supports different learning styles.
Quick lesson ideas include: creating a visual plot diagram, acting out scenes, discussing character motivations, comparing Tom to modern kids, or having students write alternative endings. These activities promote engagement and understanding.