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 Beyond the Bright Sea. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Beyond the Bright Sea Plot Diagram Example
Exposition: Set in the early 1900s on one of the Elizabeth Islands in Massachusetts, this story is about a 12 year old girl named Crow. Set out to sea on a small boat as a baby, Crow was taken in by a solitary man named Osh. She is determined to learn about her past, her family, and herself.
Rising Action: Osh gives Crow the ring and the note that was attached to her when he found her as a baby. The note gives clues to her past. Crow, Osh, and Miss Maggie go to Penikese Island where Crow was born to try to learn more. Crow sees the gravestone with lamb on it and the name Morgan.
Climax: After reaching out to the doctor and the nurse who worked with the lepers on Penikese Island, Crow learns who her parents are and that they said she was stillborn. She also learns she has an older brother named Jason.
Falling Action: After learning that there is treasure on Penikese that was buried by her mother, Crow, Osh, and Miss Maggie dig up the lamb gravestone and find a trunk of jewels, gems, and jewelry. Crow hides them in different locations and they are robbed.
Resolution: The robber, Mr. Kramer, is caught, and Crow is at peace knowing about her past. She realizes the importance of the family that she does have, and feels grateful for her life.
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 Beyond the Bright Sea.
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 Beyond the Bright Sea. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Beyond the Bright Sea Plot Diagram Example
Exposition: Set in the early 1900s on one of the Elizabeth Islands in Massachusetts, this story is about a 12 year old girl named Crow. Set out to sea on a small boat as a baby, Crow was taken in by a solitary man named Osh. She is determined to learn about her past, her family, and herself.
Rising Action: Osh gives Crow the ring and the note that was attached to her when he found her as a baby. The note gives clues to her past. Crow, Osh, and Miss Maggie go to Penikese Island where Crow was born to try to learn more. Crow sees the gravestone with lamb on it and the name Morgan.
Climax: After reaching out to the doctor and the nurse who worked with the lepers on Penikese Island, Crow learns who her parents are and that they said she was stillborn. She also learns she has an older brother named Jason.
Falling Action: After learning that there is treasure on Penikese that was buried by her mother, Crow, Osh, and Miss Maggie dig up the lamb gravestone and find a trunk of jewels, gems, and jewelry. Crow hides them in different locations and they are robbed.
Resolution: The robber, Mr. Kramer, is caught, and Crow is at peace knowing about her past. She realizes the importance of the family that she does have, and feels grateful for her life.
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 Beyond the Bright Sea.
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 Beyond the Bright Sea Visual Summary
Organize students into small groups for collaborative plot analysis
Group work encourages active discussion and allows students to share insights as they break down the plot together. This fosters deeper understanding and builds teamwork skills.
Assign each group a specific plot element to illustrate
Give each group one part of the plot diagram (such as Exposition, Rising Action, etc.). This focuses attention and lets students delve deeper into their assigned section.
Guide groups to research and select key scenes from the novel
Encourage students to reread relevant chapters and discuss which moments best represent their plot element. This promotes evidence-based analysis and close reading skills.
Support students in creating visuals and descriptions for their section
Help students use art supplies or digital tools to design images, and coach them to write concise, descriptive captions. This builds creativity and summarization skills.
Facilitate a group presentation to assemble the full plot diagram
Have each group share their illustrated section with the class. Combine all sections to form a complete visual plot diagram, reinforcing comprehension through collaborative teaching.
Frequently Asked Questions about Beyond the Bright Sea Visual Summary
What is a plot diagram for Beyond the Bright Sea?
A plot diagram for Beyond the Bright Sea visually maps out the story’s key events, including the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. It helps students understand the narrative structure and major turning points in the novel.
How can I create a visual plot summary for Beyond the Bright Sea in my classroom?
To create a visual plot summary, have students divide the story into six sections—Title, Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution—using a storyboard. They should illustrate key scenes and write brief descriptions for each part to capture the story’s arc.
Why is making a plot diagram useful when teaching Beyond the Bright Sea?
Making a plot diagram helps students identify major events, understand literary structure, and reinforce comprehension of Beyond the Bright Sea. It encourages active engagement and deeper analysis of the narrative.
What are the main events to include in a Beyond the Bright Sea plot diagram?
Main events to include are: Crow’s arrival and search for her past (Exposition), receiving clues about her origins (Rising Action), discovering her family history (Climax), finding and losing the treasure (Falling Action), and finding peace with her family (Resolution).
What is the best way to help students understand the plot structure of Beyond the Bright Sea?
The best way is to use a visual storyboard or plot diagram activity. This method lets students break down the story, create illustrations, and write summaries for each plot part, making literary structures clear and memorable.
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