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 book 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 Diary of Anne Frank.
- 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 book 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 Diary of Anne Frank.
- 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 Diary of a Anne Frank Summary
Incorporate primary source excerpts into your Anne Frank plot diagram
Enhance your plot diagrams by adding short excerpts from Anne Frank's diary in each storyboard cell. This allows students to connect directly with Anne's voice and deepen their understanding of historical context.
Guide students to select meaningful diary quotes
Ask students to find brief, impactful passages from Anne Frank's diary that match each part of the plot diagram. This fosters close reading skills and encourages evidence-based thinking.
Model how to pair quotes with visuals
Demonstrate how a diary excerpt can be paired with a scene illustration in the storyboard. This helps students see how text and imagery work together to convey meaning and emotion.
Facilitate discussion on historical empathy
Lead a class conversation about how Anne's own words change their understanding of each event. This builds empathy and a more personal connection to history.
Encourage reflection on student learning
Invite students to share how using Anne's diary entries affected their perspective on the plot and characters. This step promotes self-awareness and critical thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions about Diary of a Anne Frank Summary
What is a plot diagram for Diary of Anne Frank?
A plot diagram for Diary of Anne Frank visually maps the main events of the story, usually including exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. This helps students understand the narrative arc and key moments in Anne Frank's diary.
How can students create a storyboard for Diary of Anne Frank?
Students can create a storyboard by dividing the story into six parts: exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. For each part, they draw a scene and write a brief description, capturing the main events in sequence.
Why use a plot diagram to teach Diary of Anne Frank?
Using a plot diagram helps students visually organize the story's structure, making it easier to grasp major events and literary elements. This method reinforces comprehension and supports deeper understanding of Anne Frank's experiences.
What are the main events in the Diary of Anne Frank's plot?
The main events in Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl include the family's hiding (exposition), fear of discovery (conflict), daily challenges (rising action), the arrests (climax), aftermath (falling action), and the story's resolution through Anne's legacy.
What’s the best way to teach plot structure with Anne Frank’s diary in middle school?
The best way is to have students create a visual plot diagram or storyboard, breaking the diary into key story elements. This active approach builds engagement and helps students analyze the narrative structure effectively.
More Storyboard That Activities
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl
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