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.
When a sinister assassin attempts to murder a family of four, the family’s young toddler escapes to the nearby graveyard. After his mother’s spirit pleads for help, the ghosts agree to raise the toddler and protect him from the deadly threat. The elderly Owens ghosts adopt him and raise him as Nobody Owens. A mysterious being named Silas acts as his guardian and a link between the worlds of the living and the dead.
Although the dead acknowledge that Bod is a living boy and want him to have a full life, it is unsafe for him to leave the graveyard. Because the sinister man still seeks to kill him, Bod’s freedom is limited and he is unable to fully experience life.
Bod grows up with the Freedom of the Graveyard, allowing him to share many of the abilities of the dead. He learns lessons and makes friends with the ghosts around him. As he ages, however, he longs to know more about the living world and begins to test his boundaries by leaving the graveyard, going to school, and making friends with a living girl named Scarlett.
The assassin and his cronies, the Jacks of All Trade, chase Bod and Scarlett into the graveyard. One by one, Bod outwits them and uses his privileges of the graveyard to trap them. In a final showdown, he tricks Jack Frost in the barrow beneath the Frobisher mausoleum so that the Sleer drag him away forever.
Now that the Jacks are eliminated, Bod is safe. Silas permits Bod to leave the graveyard with him and continues to guide and support him for one more year in the graveyard.
At fifteen, Bod is fully grown and loses his Freedom of the Graveyard. He says goodbye to his family and friends and heads off to begin life in the land of the living.
(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 The Graveyard Book.
Assign roles and encourage collaboration by forming small groups and giving each student a specific responsibility, such as scene illustrator, text writer, or plot organizer. This approach helps students work together and learn from each other while building their storyboards.
Guide students to generate unique scene concepts by leading a quick brainstorming discussion. Encourage everyone to share ideas and record them on the board to spark inspiration and increase engagement across the group.
Offer storyboard templates and sample plot diagrams to give students a concrete starting point. This visual support helps clarify expectations and boosts confidence for students who may feel unsure about how to begin.
Pair groups so they can share their storyboards and offer friendly, specific feedback. This step encourages reflection, helps students improve their work, and fosters a supportive classroom environment.
Showcase students' work by displaying storyboards on classroom walls or a virtual gallery. This recognition motivates students and gives them a sense of pride in their achievements.
A plot diagram for The Graveyard Book visually maps the story’s key events: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. This helps students understand the structure and sequence of the novel's narrative.
Use a six-cell storyboard to guide students through each part of the plot: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Assign students to create scenes and descriptions for each stage to reinforce comprehension.
Have students build a visual plot diagram, illustrate major events, or write brief scene summaries for each plot stage. These quick, creative activities make comprehension and recall easier for K-12 learners.
Storyboards support visual learning, help students organize story elements, and encourage deeper understanding of literary structure. They also make lessons more engaging and interactive for students.
The main events include: the family’s murder and Bod’s adoption by ghosts (Exposition); Bod’s struggle with safety and freedom (Conflict); his adventures and friendships (Rising Action); the showdown with Jack Frost (Climax); Bod’s newfound safety (Falling Action); and Bod leaving the graveyard to start a new life (Resolution).