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 help students develop greater understanding of literary structures. Sometimes students will really have to think carefully about which events are major turning points in the plot.
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 Bridge to Terabithia.
- 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Creative Elements | Creativity and imagery are used effectively (helps to tell the story). At least three Textables are included in plot diagram. | Creative elements (clipart) are somewhat distracting. At least two Textables throughout their plot diagram. | Creativity is minimally apparent, and the overall design shows a lack of effort. Clipart may be confusing and distract from the story. Student used one or fewer Textables. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling within the Textables is mostly correct (fewer than eight errors). Grammar does not hinder understanding. | Spelling within textables is somewhat correct (fewer than 10 errors). Grammar may hinder some understanding or make reading difficult. | Spelling is mostly incorrect (10 or more errors). Grammar severely hinders understanding. |
| Plot Elements | There are three complete slides: one for beginning, one for the middle, and one for the end. Slides explain the work of prose and are easy to follow. | There are three cells, but one or two do not depict the correct element within the work of prose (e.g. the beginning is misplaced). Story is somewhat difficult to follow. | One or more cells is missing. Only one part of the plot is represented (e.g. only the beginning). Story is hard to follow. |
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 help students develop greater understanding of literary structures. Sometimes students will really have to think carefully about which events are major turning points in the plot.
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 Bridge to Terabithia.
- 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Creative Elements | Creativity and imagery are used effectively (helps to tell the story). At least three Textables are included in plot diagram. | Creative elements (clipart) are somewhat distracting. At least two Textables throughout their plot diagram. | Creativity is minimally apparent, and the overall design shows a lack of effort. Clipart may be confusing and distract from the story. Student used one or fewer Textables. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling within the Textables is mostly correct (fewer than eight errors). Grammar does not hinder understanding. | Spelling within textables is somewhat correct (fewer than 10 errors). Grammar may hinder some understanding or make reading difficult. | Spelling is mostly incorrect (10 or more errors). Grammar severely hinders understanding. |
| Plot Elements | There are three complete slides: one for beginning, one for the middle, and one for the end. Slides explain the work of prose and are easy to follow. | There are three cells, but one or two do not depict the correct element within the work of prose (e.g. the beginning is misplaced). Story is somewhat difficult to follow. | One or more cells is missing. Only one part of the plot is represented (e.g. only the beginning). Story is hard to follow. |
How Tos about Bridge to Terabithia Summary
Organize student plot diagrams for effective peer feedback
Arrange students into small groups and ask them to share their plot diagrams with peers. Peer feedback helps deepen comprehension, encourages collaboration, and lets students see different interpretations of the same story.
Model constructive feedback using a sample storyboard
Display a completed plot diagram as an example. Guide students in identifying strengths and areas for improvement using positive, specific comments. This sets clear expectations and builds a supportive classroom culture.
Guide students to use sentence starters for peer reviews
Provide simple sentence starters like “I noticed...”, “I liked how...”, and “One suggestion is...”. Structured feedback helps students stay focused and makes giving feedback less intimidating for all learners.
Facilitate a quick reflection after peer feedback
Ask students to jot down what feedback they received and one change they plan to make. Reflection ensures that feedback leads to meaningful improvement and encourages students to take ownership of their learning.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bridge to Terabithia Summary
What is a plot diagram for Bridge to Terabithia?
A plot diagram for Bridge to Terabithia visually outlines the main events of the story by Katherine Paterson. It includes the exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution to help students understand the narrative structure.
How can students create a storyboard for Bridge to Terabithia?
Students can create a storyboard by dividing the story into six key parts: exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. For each part, they draw a scene and write a brief description that summarizes the main event, using tools like Storyboard That for visual support.
Why is making a plot diagram useful for teaching Bridge to Terabithia?
Making a plot diagram helps students identify major turning points, understand story structure, and reinforce key events. It also encourages deeper analysis and supports visual learners by breaking down complex narratives into manageable parts.
What are the major parts of the plot in Bridge to Terabithia?
The major parts are exposition (introduction of characters and setting), conflict (the problem or challenge), rising action (events building suspense), climax (the turning point), falling action (events after the climax), and resolution (how the story ends).
What is the best way for 4th or 5th graders to summarize Bridge to Terabithia?
The best way is to use a visual plot diagram. Students can create a six-cell storyboard, illustrating and describing key moments from each part of the story. This makes summarizing both engaging and easy to understand for young learners.
More Storyboard That Activities
Bridge to Terabithia
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