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https://www.test.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/a-mango-shaped-space-by-wendy-mass/plot-diagram
Activity Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Rubric
Activity Overview Accordion Arrow

Activity Overview


Creating a plot diagram not only helps students learn the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and helps students develop a 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. In this activity, students will create a visual plot diagram of major events in A Mango-Shaped Space. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.

A Mango-Shaped Space Plot Diagram Example

Exposition: Thirteen year old Mia isn’t like everyone else. For her, words, numbers, and sounds have color. It’s all around her, all of the time - as if being thirteen isn’t hard enough already. When Mia starts struggling in school, she realizes that there has to be more to her than just not being “normal.”

Rising Action: Mia begins to do poorly in math and finally tells her parents about what’s going on with her. After seeing a few doctors, Mia learns that she has a condition called synesthesia. She joins an online community of others like her, and begins to embrace who she is.

Climax: After seeming less energetic than normal and not eating, Mia’s beloved cat Mango dies. Mia blames herself because she’s been so involved in herself and feels she neglected Mango and others.

Falling Action: Mia is sad for a long time, and doesn’t want to do anything. Eventually she returns to school and her life seemingly returns to “normal”. Her family has become closer and Mia realizes who her real friends are.

Resolution: At the Roth’s holiday party, Mia and her brother, Zack, see that the family’s cat has had kittens. One of them looks exactly like Mango, and they realize that Mango is the father of the litter. Mia sees a mustard color surrounding the kitten, and doesn’t want to replace Mango so soon. That night she has a dream that she’s eating a hot dog with lots of mustard at the fair, and realizes that the kitten is meant to be a part of her family.


Template and Class Instructions Accordion Arrow

Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)



Due Date:

Objective: Create a visual plot diagram of A Mango-Shaped Space.

Student Instructions:

  1. Click "Start Assignment".
  2. Separate the story into the Title, Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
  3. Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the story components using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
  4. Write a short description of each of the examples in the plot diagram.
  5. Save and exit when you're done.

Lesson Plan Reference

Switch to: Common CoreArizonaCaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIowaKansasMarylandMassachusettsNebraskaNew JerseyNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaPennsylvaniaTexasUtah

Rubric Accordion Arrow

Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)


Plot Diagram Rubric
Create a visual Plot Diagram that summarizes the story. The storyboard should have six cells: Title, Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Below each cell, type in a description of that part of the story.
Proficient Emerging Beginning
Design
Cells include images that help to tell the story and do not get in the way of understanding. Descriptions match the images.
Descriptions do not always match the images.
Descriptions are missing or do not match the images.
Plot
Each of the six cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end.
Two cells or fewer are out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information.
Important information is missing and/or three or more cells are out of order.
Spelling and Grammar
Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding.
Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding.
Text is difficult to understand.


Activity Overview


Creating a plot diagram not only helps students learn the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and helps students develop a 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. In this activity, students will create a visual plot diagram of major events in A Mango-Shaped Space. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.

A Mango-Shaped Space Plot Diagram Example

Exposition: Thirteen year old Mia isn’t like everyone else. For her, words, numbers, and sounds have color. It’s all around her, all of the time - as if being thirteen isn’t hard enough already. When Mia starts struggling in school, she realizes that there has to be more to her than just not being “normal.”

Rising Action: Mia begins to do poorly in math and finally tells her parents about what’s going on with her. After seeing a few doctors, Mia learns that she has a condition called synesthesia. She joins an online community of others like her, and begins to embrace who she is.

Climax: After seeming less energetic than normal and not eating, Mia’s beloved cat Mango dies. Mia blames herself because she’s been so involved in herself and feels she neglected Mango and others.

Falling Action: Mia is sad for a long time, and doesn’t want to do anything. Eventually she returns to school and her life seemingly returns to “normal”. Her family has become closer and Mia realizes who her real friends are.

Resolution: At the Roth’s holiday party, Mia and her brother, Zack, see that the family’s cat has had kittens. One of them looks exactly like Mango, and they realize that Mango is the father of the litter. Mia sees a mustard color surrounding the kitten, and doesn’t want to replace Mango so soon. That night she has a dream that she’s eating a hot dog with lots of mustard at the fair, and realizes that the kitten is meant to be a part of her family.


Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)



Due Date:

Objective: Create a visual plot diagram of A Mango-Shaped Space.

Student Instructions:

  1. Click "Start Assignment".
  2. Separate the story into the Title, Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
  3. Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the story components using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
  4. Write a short description of each of the examples in the plot diagram.
  5. Save and exit when you're done.

Lesson Plan Reference

Switch to: Common CoreArizonaCaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIowaKansasMarylandMassachusettsNebraskaNew JerseyNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaPennsylvaniaTexasUtah

Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)


Plot Diagram Rubric
Create a visual Plot Diagram that summarizes the story. The storyboard should have six cells: Title, Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Below each cell, type in a description of that part of the story.
Proficient Emerging Beginning
Design
Cells include images that help to tell the story and do not get in the way of understanding. Descriptions match the images.
Descriptions do not always match the images.
Descriptions are missing or do not match the images.
Plot
Each of the six cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end.
Two cells or fewer are out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information.
Important information is missing and/or three or more cells are out of order.
Spelling and Grammar
Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding.
Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding.
Text is difficult to understand.


How Tos about A Mango-Shaped Space Summary

1

Organize a plot diagram group activity for your class

Boost collaboration by splitting students into small teams and assigning each group a different part of the plot diagram (Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Resolution). Each group creates their own visual and summary for their assigned section, then presents it to the class. This approach helps students take ownership of their learning and see how each plot part connects.

2

Set clear expectations and roles for each group

Assign specific tasks—like illustrator, writer, presenter, and researcher—within each group. Defining roles ensures every student is engaged and knows how to contribute. Clear roles help keep students on track and make the activity run smoothly.

3

Provide guiding questions to deepen analysis

Give each group a set of guiding questions (e.g., “How does this event change the story?” “What emotions do the characters feel here?”). Guiding questions encourage critical thinking and help students focus on the significance of their assigned plot section.

4

Facilitate a class discussion after presentations

Lead a whole-class discussion once groups present. Ask students to connect each part of the plot and reflect on how events build toward the resolution. This step reinforces narrative structure and helps students see the big picture.

5

Wrap up with a reflection activity

Have students individually write or share one thing they learned about plot structure and teamwork from the group activity. Reflection reinforces understanding and helps students internalize key concepts.

Frequently Asked Questions about A Mango-Shaped Space Summary

What is the plot summary of A Mango-Shaped Space?

A Mango-Shaped Space follows thirteen-year-old Mia, who perceives colors with words and sounds because she has synesthesia. As Mia struggles at school and seeks understanding, she learns to embrace her unique perspective, navigates personal loss, and grows closer to her family and friends.

How can students create a plot diagram for A Mango-Shaped Space?

Students can create a plot diagram by dividing the story into Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. For each part, they should illustrate a key event and write a brief description to visually map the novel's narrative arc.

What are the major turning points in A Mango-Shaped Space?

The major turning points include: Mia discovering her synesthesia (Exposition), telling her parents and joining an online community (Rising Action), the death of her cat Mango (Climax), coping with loss and reconnecting with loved ones (Falling Action), and accepting a new kitten into her family (Resolution).

Why is creating a plot diagram helpful for understanding A Mango-Shaped Space?

Creating a plot diagram helps students break down the story's structure, identify key events, and deepen their understanding of literary elements. It reinforces comprehension and makes it easier to discuss or analyze the novel in class.

What are some tips for teaching A Mango-Shaped Space to middle school students?

Use visual aids like plot diagrams, focus on themes of identity and acceptance, encourage personal connections to Mia's experiences, and discuss the concept of synesthesia to build empathy and engagement.




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