Activity Overview
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.
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.
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 A Wrinkle in Time.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Separate the story into the Exposition, Conflict, 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.
- Write a description of each of the steps in the plot diagram.
Lesson Plan Reference
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. |
Activity Overview
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.
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.
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 A Wrinkle in Time.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Separate the story into the Exposition, Conflict, 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.
- Write a description of each of the steps in the plot diagram.
Lesson Plan Reference
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 Tos about A Wrinkle in Time Summary
Organize a classroom discussion around plot structure
Guide students to share their interpretations of each plot stage. Encourage respectful listening and prompt students to explain their reasoning. Foster connections between the plot diagram and students’ own experiences.
Assign student roles for group storyboard creation
Divide students into small groups and assign each member a specific plot element (e.g., Exposition, Climax). Empower each student to lead their section, ensuring active participation and ownership.
Integrate technology for engaging storyboards
Use digital tools like Storyboard That or Google Slides to let students create visual plot diagrams. Encourage creativity by adding images, text, and audio to bring scenes to life.
Promote critical thinking with ‘what if’ questions
Ask students to predict how changes to one plot event might affect the story’s outcome. Challenge them to justify their ideas using evidence from the text and their storyboard.
Facilitate peer feedback on storyboards
Pair students or groups to review each other's storyboards. Guide them to give specific, positive feedback and ask clarifying questions to deepen understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about A Wrinkle in Time Summary
What is a plot diagram for A Wrinkle in Time?
A plot diagram for A Wrinkle in Time visually maps out the story's main events, usually in six parts: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. It helps students understand the narrative arc and key turning points in the novel.
How can students create a plot diagram for A Wrinkle in Time?
To create a plot diagram, students can use a six-cell storyboard. In each cell, they depict and describe a major story element in sequence—starting with Exposition and ending with Resolution—to visually organize the book's key events.
Why is making a storyboard helpful for teaching A Wrinkle in Time?
Making a storyboard helps students break down the book's plot into manageable pieces, reinforcing their understanding of story structure while making learning interactive and engaging. It supports visual learners and deepens comprehension of literary elements.
What are the main parts of a plot diagram in literature lessons?
The main parts of a plot diagram are Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Each part helps students identify and analyze key story events and their sequence.
What is an example of a rising action event in A Wrinkle in Time?
An example of rising action in A Wrinkle in Time is when Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin travel through the tesseract to rescue Meg's father, facing new challenges on Camazotz as the tension builds toward the climax.
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A Wrinkle in Time
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