Activity Overview
Students will decide on what they think are the important parts in the text are and categorize them into the beginning, middle, and end of the story. Having students decide on the beginning, middle and end will help them break the text up and make it easier to choose one or two main events to create. Students can plan their ideas with a partner or individually and decide what main parts they would like to add to their storyboard.
The storyboard shows two examples for the beginning, middle and end, but you could set a number of frames for the students to use depending on the ability of the student or the length of the text.
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
Make a storyboard summary of Amos and Boris.
- Make pictures that show two main events from the beginning of the story.
- Make pictures that show two main events from the middle of the story.
- Make pictures that show two main events from the end of the story.
- Write a sentence under each picture.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events | Each of the cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or more cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that accurately show events in the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Most images show the events of the story, but some are incorrect. | The images are unclear or do not make sense with the story. |
| Descriptions | Descriptions match the images and show the change over time. | Descriptions do not always match the images or mention the importance of the event. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| 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 very difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
Students will decide on what they think are the important parts in the text are and categorize them into the beginning, middle, and end of the story. Having students decide on the beginning, middle and end will help them break the text up and make it easier to choose one or two main events to create. Students can plan their ideas with a partner or individually and decide what main parts they would like to add to their storyboard.
The storyboard shows two examples for the beginning, middle and end, but you could set a number of frames for the students to use depending on the ability of the student or the length of the text.
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
Make a storyboard summary of Amos and Boris.
- Make pictures that show two main events from the beginning of the story.
- Make pictures that show two main events from the middle of the story.
- Make pictures that show two main events from the end of the story.
- Write a sentence under each picture.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events | Each of the cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or more cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that accurately show events in the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Most images show the events of the story, but some are incorrect. | The images are unclear or do not make sense with the story. |
| Descriptions | Descriptions match the images and show the change over time. | Descriptions do not always match the images or mention the importance of the event. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| 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 very difficult to understand. |
How Tos about Amos and Boris Summary Activity
Easily assess student understanding with a quick rubric for story summaries
Create a simple rubric to evaluate students’ storyboards. Use clear criteria like accuracy of events, completeness (beginning, middle, end), and sentence quality. This helps you give consistent feedback and students know what’s expected.
Clearly explain your expectations before students begin
Review the assignment and show examples of complete storyboards. Point out what makes them effective, such as clear drawings and detailed sentences under each frame. This sets students up for success from the start.
Guide students to choose the most important events
Encourage students to discuss key moments from the story with a partner or small group. Ask guiding questions like, “What changes for Amos or Boris in this part?” to help them focus on main events rather than minor details.
Support students with sentence starters for each frame
Offer simple sentence frames (e.g., “First, Amos…”, “In the middle, Boris…”). This helps younger students write confidently and ensures their summaries are clear and connected to each picture.
Provide time for sharing and peer feedback
Set aside a few minutes for students to share their storyboards in pairs or small groups. Encourage positive comments and constructive feedback, so students learn from each other and improve their summarizing skills.
Frequently Asked Questions about Amos and Boris Summary Activity
What is a good summary activity for the book Amos and Boris?
A great summary activity for Amos and Boris is to have students create a storyboard showing two main events from the beginning, middle, and end of the story, with a sentence under each picture. This helps students identify key plot points and improves comprehension.
How do you teach beginning, middle, and end using Amos and Boris?
Teach beginning, middle, and end with Amos and Boris by guiding students to break down the story into three parts. Have them select main events for each section, then illustrate and write about these events to build understanding of story structure.
What are effective ways for 2nd or 3rd graders to summarize Amos and Boris?
Effective ways for 2nd or 3rd graders to summarize Amos and Boris include making a storyboard, drawing pictures of key events, and writing simple sentences to explain each part. Working with a partner can also boost engagement.
How many storyboard frames should students use for Amos and Boris?
The number of storyboard frames can vary. Typically, students use six frames—two for the beginning, two for the middle, and two for the end. Adjust the number based on student ability and story length.
Why is it important for students to identify main events in a story?
Identifying main events helps students understand plot structure, improve comprehension, and practice summarizing. It also builds skills for retelling stories and analyzing literature.
More Storyboard That Activities
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