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 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 Single Shard. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
A Single Shard Plot Diagram Example
Exposition: Tree-ear lives in the small Korean village of Ch’ulp’o, under a bridge with his caretaker, an old, one-legged man named Crane-man. Tree-ear is obsessed with pottery, and spends his days watching the talented potters create their masterpieces. Tree-ear works for master potter Min, and learns that Min has great talent.
Rising Action: When an emissary visits the village, Min is chosen as a finalist to create for royalty. Min smashes his pieces that he thinks aren’t perfect, and the emissary gives him one more chance: bring some vases to the palace when they are done. Tree-ear offers to make the journey for Min.
Climax: Along his journey to Songdo, Tree-ear is robbed. The robbers take Min’s beautiful vases and throw them off of a high cliff, shattering them to pieces.
Falling Action: Tree-ear refuses to give up, and goes to the bottom of the mountain to find the broken vases. He finds a piece large enough to take to the palace, and the emissary is impressed.
Resolution: Min gets commissioned to the palace, and when Tree-ear returns home, he is sad to hear that Crane-man has died. However, Tree-ear is happy to be a part of Min and Ajima’s 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 Single Shard.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Separate the story into the Title, Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
- Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the story components using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of each of the examples in the plot diagram.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| 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 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 Single Shard. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
A Single Shard Plot Diagram Example
Exposition: Tree-ear lives in the small Korean village of Ch’ulp’o, under a bridge with his caretaker, an old, one-legged man named Crane-man. Tree-ear is obsessed with pottery, and spends his days watching the talented potters create their masterpieces. Tree-ear works for master potter Min, and learns that Min has great talent.
Rising Action: When an emissary visits the village, Min is chosen as a finalist to create for royalty. Min smashes his pieces that he thinks aren’t perfect, and the emissary gives him one more chance: bring some vases to the palace when they are done. Tree-ear offers to make the journey for Min.
Climax: Along his journey to Songdo, Tree-ear is robbed. The robbers take Min’s beautiful vases and throw them off of a high cliff, shattering them to pieces.
Falling Action: Tree-ear refuses to give up, and goes to the bottom of the mountain to find the broken vases. He finds a piece large enough to take to the palace, and the emissary is impressed.
Resolution: Min gets commissioned to the palace, and when Tree-ear returns home, he is sad to hear that Crane-man has died. However, Tree-ear is happy to be a part of Min and Ajima’s 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 Single Shard.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Separate the story into the Title, Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
- Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the story components using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of each of the examples in the plot diagram.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| 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 Single Shard Visual Summary
Organize students for a collaborative plot diagram project
Bring your class together by dividing students into small groups and assigning each group a different part of the plot diagram. This boosts engagement and helps students learn from each other as they discuss key events and visuals for their section.
Assign roles within each student group
Ensure every student participates by giving each group member a clear role, such as illustrator, writer, or presenter. Defined responsibilities encourage teamwork and make group work more effective.
Guide students in researching cultural context
Encourage deeper understanding by having students look up information about 12th-century Korea and pottery. This helps them create more accurate and meaningful visuals for their assigned plot section.
Facilitate group presentations of the plot diagram
Let each group share their visual and explanation with the class. Presentations build speaking skills and reinforce story structure as students see how all parts of the plot connect.
Combine group visuals into a class-wide plot diagram display
Create a sense of accomplishment by assembling all group work into one large display. This collaborative visual serves as a reference and celebrates your students' understanding of "A Single Shard."
Frequently Asked Questions about A Single Shard Visual Summary
What is a plot diagram for A Single Shard?
A plot diagram for A Single Shard visually outlines the main events of the novel, including the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution, helping students understand the narrative structure.
How can students create a visual plot summary for A Single Shard?
Students can create a visual plot summary for A Single Shard by dividing the story into key sections—like Exposition and Climax—and illustrating each part with images and short descriptions using a six-cell storyboard.
What are the major turning points in A Single Shard's plot?
The major turning points in A Single Shard include Tree-ear's life in Ch’ulp’o (Exposition), Min being chosen to create pottery for royalty (Rising Action), Tree-ear's journey and the robbery (Climax), finding the broken vase (Falling Action), and Tree-ear joining Min's family (Resolution).
Why is making a plot diagram useful for teaching A Single Shard?
Creating a plot diagram helps students reinforce key events, understand literary structure, and retain information about A Single Shard by making the story's progression visual and memorable.
What are the steps to complete a plot diagram activity for A Single Shard?
The steps are: 1) Start the assignment, 2) Separate the story into Title, Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution, 3) Create an image and short description for each part, and 4) Save and exit when finished.
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