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.
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.
Example Catherine, Called Birdy Plot Diagram
Exposition
Catherine, the daughter of a knight, lives on a small manor in Medieval England. At thirteen, she is nearing adulthood and spends much of her time trying to avoid boring responsibilities and ladylike behavior.
Conflict
Catherine's father has decided it is time for Catherine to marry. He treats her marriage like a financial transaction and is planning to marry her off to the wealthiest suitor he can find, despite Catherine's objections.
Rising Action
Catherine does everything in her power to scare away suitors. When the ugly Shaggy Beard insists on marrying her anyway, however, she refuses to accept it. Catherine witnesses the ups and downs of manor life, including marriages, births, and deaths, while trying to figure out how to avoid the miserable life ahead of her.
Climax
Catherine finally agrees to marry Shaggy Beard in order to use his money to save an abused bear. Just before his arrival, however, she runs away, unable to face the reality of marriage to someone she detests.
Falling Action
While visiting Ethelfritha, Catherine realizes she cannot run away from her life, but must make the most of it. She decides she can marry Shaggy Beard and still be Catherine. When she returns, home, however, she learns that Shaggy Beard has died.
Resolution
Shaggy Beard's son Stephen offers to marry Catherine instead. Catherine believes Stephen will be much better than his father and accepts his marriage offer with relief and hope for the future.
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 Catherine, Called Birdy.
- 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 help 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.
Example Catherine, Called Birdy Plot Diagram
Exposition
Catherine, the daughter of a knight, lives on a small manor in Medieval England. At thirteen, she is nearing adulthood and spends much of her time trying to avoid boring responsibilities and ladylike behavior.
Conflict
Catherine's father has decided it is time for Catherine to marry. He treats her marriage like a financial transaction and is planning to marry her off to the wealthiest suitor he can find, despite Catherine's objections.
Rising Action
Catherine does everything in her power to scare away suitors. When the ugly Shaggy Beard insists on marrying her anyway, however, she refuses to accept it. Catherine witnesses the ups and downs of manor life, including marriages, births, and deaths, while trying to figure out how to avoid the miserable life ahead of her.
Climax
Catherine finally agrees to marry Shaggy Beard in order to use his money to save an abused bear. Just before his arrival, however, she runs away, unable to face the reality of marriage to someone she detests.
Falling Action
While visiting Ethelfritha, Catherine realizes she cannot run away from her life, but must make the most of it. She decides she can marry Shaggy Beard and still be Catherine. When she returns, home, however, she learns that Shaggy Beard has died.
Resolution
Shaggy Beard's son Stephen offers to marry Catherine instead. Catherine believes Stephen will be much better than his father and accepts his marriage offer with relief and hope for the future.
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 Catherine, Called Birdy.
- 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 Catherine, Called Birdy Plot Diagram
How to Guide Students in Writing Their Own Plot Summaries After Creating a Diagram
Encourage students to use their completed plot diagrams as a framework for writing concise plot summaries. This helps students internalize narrative structure and improve their written communication skills.
Model how to translate each plot point into 1–2 clear sentences
Show students how to turn each section of the plot diagram (Exposition, Conflict, etc.) into short, focused sentences. This keeps summaries brief and ensures students capture the main ideas.
Provide sentence starters for each plot component
Offer sentence frames like “At the beginning,…” or “The main problem is…” to help students start their summaries confidently. This scaffolding supports all learners, especially those who struggle with organization.
Have students draft and share their summaries in pairs or small groups
Ask students to read their summaries aloud to classmates and give feedback on clarity and completeness. Peer review builds editing skills and deepens understanding.
Offer a checklist for self-editing summaries
Give students a simple checklist (Did I include all six plot parts? Did I use my own words?) so they can revise their work independently. This promotes accountability and careful review.
Frequently Asked Questions about Catherine, Called Birdy Plot Diagram
What is a plot diagram for Catherine, Called Birdy?
A plot diagram for Catherine, Called Birdy visually maps out the key events in the story, including the exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. It helps students understand the narrative arc and major turning points.
How can students create a plot diagram for Catherine, Called Birdy?
Students can create a plot diagram by dividing the story into six parts: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. For each part, they should illustrate an important scene and write a brief description to explain its significance.
What are the main events in the Catherine, Called Birdy plot diagram?
The main events include Catherine's life on a medieval manor (Exposition), her father's plan for her marriage (Conflict), her attempts to avoid marriage (Rising Action), agreeing to marry Shaggy Beard but running away (Climax), her realization about facing life (Falling Action), and accepting Stephen's proposal (Resolution).
Why is using a plot diagram helpful for teaching Catherine, Called Birdy?
Using a plot diagram helps students visually organize the story's structure, reinforce key events, and deepen their understanding of literary elements. It also supports comprehension and recall by breaking down complex narratives into manageable parts.
What are some tips for making an engaging Catherine, Called Birdy plot diagram activity?
Encourage students to use creative images for each plot point, focus on important scenes, and write concise descriptions. Allow group or individual work, and use tools like Storyboard That to make the process interactive and fun for grades 6-8.
More Storyboard That Activities
Catherine, Called Birdy
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