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 helps students develop greater understanding of literary structures, like five act structure.
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.
Ichabod Crane is the schoolmaster in Sleepy Hollow, a town beset by supernatural occurrences. A local favorite is the tale of the Headless Horseman, the ghost of a Hessian mercenary who lost his head.
Ichabod and rival Brom Bones want to marry Katrina van Tassel, the flirtatious daughter of a wealthy landowner. After receiving the brushoff from Katrina, despite previous encouragement, Ichabod leaves a social gathering in an agitated state.
Ichabod goes home during the witching hour. After hearing many ghost stories at the party, again and again he imagines a ghost or goblin in almost everything he sees. Finally he sees an enormous hulk - the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow.
The Headless Horseman matches Crane's pace, and finally chases him. Ichabod tries to spur on Gunpowder, a borrowed horse, to reach the bridge quickly.
Ichabod makes it to the bridge and turns to see if his pursuer will disappear. The Headless Horseman throws his head at Ichabod, who falls off his horse and passes out.
The next morning, the townspeople find Crane's hat and his few belongings, as well as a smashed pumpkin, by the bridge.
(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 Legend of Sleepy Hollow".
Boost student comprehension and excitement by having them retell key scenes in their own words or through art. Creative retelling helps students process the plot and strengthens their understanding of narrative structure.
Ask each student to pick a memorable scene from the story. Giving students choice increases engagement and encourages personal connection to the material.
Let students choose to rewrite the scene in their own words, illustrate it, or act it out. Multiple formats allow all learners to express their understanding and creativity effectively.
Invite students to present their retellings to the class or in small groups. Sharing builds confidence and helps students see different interpretations of the same story events.
Lead a brief discussion on what students learned by retelling scenes. Reflecting helps reinforce story elements and encourages students to think critically about narrative structure.
A plot diagram for 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' visually breaks down the story into key elements: exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Each part illustrates a major event, helping students understand the story’s structure and main ideas.
To teach the plot structure, use a six-cell storyboard where each cell represents a part of the plot: exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Encourage students to draw scenes and write short descriptions for each stage to reinforce comprehension.
The main events are: Ichabod Crane arriving in Sleepy Hollow (exposition), the rivalry with Brom Bones over Katrina (conflict), Ichabod’s eerie journey home (rising action), the chase by the Headless Horseman (climax), Ichabod’s fall from the horse (falling action), and the mysterious disappearance found next morning (resolution).
A storyboard helps students visualize story progression, making abstract plot elements concrete. It supports visual learners, encourages creativity, and reinforces understanding of literary structure such as the five-act or six-part plot diagram.
An easy activity is to have students create a visual plot diagram using drawings or digital tools. They separate the story into the six major plot parts and illustrate or describe each, making summary and comprehension engaging and accessible.