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.
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 “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket”.
- 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 25 Points | Emerging 21 Points | Beginning 17 Points | Try Again 13 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Descriptive and Visual Elements | Cells have many descriptive elements, and provide the reader with a vivid representation. | Cells have many descriptive elements, but flow of cells may have been hard to understand. | Cells have few descriptive elements, or have visuals that make the work confusing. | Cells have few or no descriptive elements. |
| Grammar/Spelling | Textables have three or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have four or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have five or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have six or more spelling/grammar errors. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has done both peer and teacher editing. | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has either teacher or peer editing, but not both. | Student has done neither peer, nor teacher editing. | Work shows no evidence of any effort. |
| Plot | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram. | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram, but one or more is confusing. | Parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot difficult to follow. | Almost all of the parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot very difficult 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.
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.)
Student Instructions
Create a visual plot diagram of “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket”.
- 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 25 Points | Emerging 21 Points | Beginning 17 Points | Try Again 13 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Descriptive and Visual Elements | Cells have many descriptive elements, and provide the reader with a vivid representation. | Cells have many descriptive elements, but flow of cells may have been hard to understand. | Cells have few descriptive elements, or have visuals that make the work confusing. | Cells have few or no descriptive elements. |
| Grammar/Spelling | Textables have three or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have four or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have five or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have six or more spelling/grammar errors. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has done both peer and teacher editing. | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has either teacher or peer editing, but not both. | Student has done neither peer, nor teacher editing. | Work shows no evidence of any effort. |
| Plot | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram. | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram, but one or more is confusing. | Parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot difficult to follow. | Almost all of the parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot very difficult to follow. |
How Tos about “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket” Plot Diagram
Incorporate character analysis into your plot diagram activity
Enhance your plot diagram lesson by adding a character analysis element. Character analysis helps students connect with the story on a deeper level and supports critical thinking.
Assign each student a key character to track throughout the plot
Choose main or supporting characters and have students focus on their development during each plot stage. This encourages close reading and helps students notice changes and motivations.
Guide students to note character actions and emotions in each plot section
Ask students to summarize how their assigned character behaves and feels during the exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. This builds empathy and comprehension.
Have students illustrate key character moments alongside plot events
Encourage students to create images or symbols in each storyboard cell that reflect their character’s experience during each plot point. Visuals make abstract ideas concrete.
Facilitate a discussion to connect plot events with character growth
Lead a class or group conversation about how the plot’s events drive character change. This reflection deepens understanding and ties together literary elements.
Frequently Asked Questions about “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket” Plot Diagram
What is a plot diagram for 'Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket'?
A plot diagram for 'Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket' visually outlines the story’s main events using six stages: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. This helps students understand the narrative structure and the flow of the story.
How can students create a visual plot diagram for a short story?
Students can create a visual plot diagram by dividing the story into six key parts and illustrating each stage with images and descriptions. Tools like Storyboard That make it easy to organize scenes and explain each plot point clearly.
What are the steps to make a plot diagram for classroom use?
To make a plot diagram, separate the story into: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. For each, create an image or description that captures the main event, helping students visualize and summarize the story’s progression.
Why is teaching plot structure important in high school literature?
Teaching plot structure helps students understand how stories are built, recognize key events, and improve their reading comprehension. It also prepares them to analyze and write their own narratives effectively.
What is the best way to help students understand the events in 'Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket'?
The best way is to have students create a storyboard or plot diagram that captures each major event in the story. This visual approach reinforces comprehension and helps students remember the sequence of events.
More Storyboard That Activities
Contents of the Dead Man's Pocket
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