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. In this activity, students will create a plot diagram for the story Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson.
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.
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 Chains.
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 description of each of the steps in the plot diagram.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements:
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
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. In this activity, students will create a plot diagram for the story Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson.
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.
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 Chains.
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 description of each of the steps in the plot diagram.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements:
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 Chains Plot Diagram
Engage students with meaningful discussion questions about Chains
Ask students thought-provoking questions that connect to Chains themes, characters, and historical context. This helps students deepen comprehension and encourages critical thinking about the novel's events and moral dilemmas.
Guide students to make personal connections to the story
Invite students to relate Isabel's journey to their own lives or current events. Making personal connections fosters empathy and engagement with the text, helping students see the relevance of history and literature.
Incorporate historical context with a brief research activity
Assign students to research one aspect of the Revolutionary War era featured in Chains, such as slavery, Loyalists vs. Patriots, or daily colonial life. Sharing findings enriches understanding of the novel's setting and real-world significance.
Support visual learners with alternative storyboard options
Offer students the choice to create character maps, theme charts, or setting illustrations in addition to the plot diagram. These visual tools help diverse learners process and remember key story elements.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chains Plot Diagram
What is a plot diagram for the novel Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson?
A plot diagram for Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson visually maps out the story's key events, including the exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, helping students understand the novel's structure.
How can students create a storyboard plot diagram for Chains?
Students can create a storyboard plot diagram for Chains by dividing the story into six parts—Title, Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution—then illustrating important moments and writing brief descriptions for each section.
Why is using a plot diagram helpful for teaching Chains in middle school?
Using a plot diagram helps middle school students break down and visualize the narrative arc of Chains, reinforcing comprehension of major events and deepening their understanding of literary elements.
What are the main parts of a plot diagram that students should include for Chains?
The main parts students should include in a plot diagram for Chains are: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
What are some tips for helping students identify key events for each part of the Chains plot diagram?
Encourage students to focus on turning points, conflicts, and resolutions in Chains. Have them summarize each plot section in their own words and use visuals to represent important characters or scenes for each stage.
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Chains
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