Activity Overview
In grades 6-8, retelling or summarizing is a skill that needs to be practiced and refined with a variety of genres, and with books of different lengths. As students begin to explore various genres and lengths of works, it can become more challenging for students to evaluate what is most important. For this reason, students need to determine the importance of events in the plot in order to synthesize storylines.
Creating a Storyboard for retelling "The Treasure of Lemon Brown" will challenge students to decide what is essential. Similar to a "Five Finger Retell" or the “Plot Diagram”, students need to think critically about the events in order. With the Storyboard Creator, students will have the option and opportunity to explain and explore the characters in the plot with depth and accuracy.
As a lesson, consider having students plan their storyboard with a blank template prior to creating the full storyboard online. Students should begin with the retold narrative in each box before adding character dialogue. This will allow them to focus on the purpose of retelling, without getting distracted by the details of the storyboard.
After students create their retelling storyboards, they can print and cut them out, then have a partner try to put the events in order!
Template and Class Instructions
(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 Treasure of Lemon Brown".
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Separate the story into the Beginning, Middle, and End.
- Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the story components.
- Write a description of each of the steps in the plot diagram.
Lesson Plan Reference
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/6/2] Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/6/3] Describe how a particular story’s or drama’s plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plot Images | Cells include images that convey events in the corresponding stage of the plot. The images represent an important moment and exemplify the descriptions below them. | Cells include one or two images that convey events from an incorrect stage of the plot. Most images represent an important moment and exemplify the descriptions below them. | Cells include three or more images that convey events from an incorrect stage of the plot. Images depict minor and inimportant moments or do not reflect the descriptions below them. |
| Plot Text | The storyboard correctly identifies all six stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells correctly breaks down the plot events into appropriate stages. The text gives a logical overview of the plot and includes the most significant events of the book. | The storyboard misidentifies one or two stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells breaks down most of the plot events into appropriate stages. The text gives a logical overview of the plot, but may omit some significant events of the book. | The storyboard misidentifies three or more stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells does not correspond to the events of that stage. Overall plot description is not logical. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is exemplary. Text contains few or no mistakes. | Text contains some significant errors in spelling or grammar. | Text contains many errors in spelling or grammar. |
How To Help Students Divide and Summarize the Story
Reread the Story
In order to divide the story into parts and structures and summarize, it is important that students become familiar with all aspects and details of the plot. Encourage the students to read the story multiple times, focus on small details, and try to understand the meaning of the story beyond words. Students can also highlight the details they deem important.
Introduce BME Model
Introduce students to the BME Model which is also known as the Beginning, Middle, and End model. This model will help the students divide the story into three main parts and make the process of summarization easier. Students can use highlighters or pointers to make this division and even use some examples to understand the concept better.
Discuss the Importance of Sequence
Discuss with the students the significance of the sequence of events. Explain how if one important event is missing from the sequence, the story would become meaningless. For instance, if in “The Treasure of Lemon Brown” the readers did not know that Lemon Brown was part of a band, there would be no meaning to the rest of the story.
Summarize the Points
Ask students to create a brief synopsis (beginning, middle, and finish) for each part that highlights the key points and character growth. Teachers can introduce students to the importance of synonyms and paraphrasing in summarizing the text and provide some practice beforehand.
Examine and Discuss
After summarizing, have discussions with the students about the narrative. Urge them to consider the lessons they took away from the activity. Students can have group discussions on each part separately and share key takeaways with the class for a collaborative learning environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About "The Treasure of Lemon Brown" Summary
What does Lemon Brown mean when he talks about a "treasure"?
Instead of a tangible item, Lemon Brown's treasure is a compilation of his recollections and prior encounters. These include things that are precious to him, such as a harmonica, a picture, and other souvenirs. Students should reflect on this important part of the story while summarizing the text.
What is the significance of Lemon Brown’s conversation with Greg and how can students summarize this conversation?
Lemon Brown observes that Greg is a young man experiencing comparable frustration and confusion. Lemon Brown wants to provide Greg insight and understanding by sharing his own experiences so that he would understand the importance of family and sentimental belongings. It is important that students summarize such small details carefully to incorporate the essence of the entire story in the summary.
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