Activity Overview
Creating a plot diagram not only helps students learn 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. In this activity, students will create a visual plot diagram of major events in Dragonwings. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Dragonwings has many different subplots, so students may interpret these parts very differently. The example given is just one way to interpret the plot.
Example Plot Diagram for Dragonwings
Exposition: It is the early 1900s, and Moon Shadow, a young boy of just 7 years old, goes to live with his father, who he hasn’t met, in America. As Chinese immigrants in San Francisco, Moon Shadow, his father, and their extended family face many challenges while trying to run a successful laundromat.
Rising Action: The devastating San Francisco Earthquake of 1906 hits the area and there is massive destruction.
Climax: Windrider completes his airplane and everyone shows up to help him push it up the hill and watch him fly.
Falling Action: After a few minutes of flight, the plane crashes, leaving Windrider with some broken bones, but a joyful heart.
Resolution: The Company makes Windrider a partner in the business so that he can bring his wife over to America.
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 Dragonwings.
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 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. In this activity, students will create a visual plot diagram of major events in Dragonwings. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Dragonwings has many different subplots, so students may interpret these parts very differently. The example given is just one way to interpret the plot.
Example Plot Diagram for Dragonwings
Exposition: It is the early 1900s, and Moon Shadow, a young boy of just 7 years old, goes to live with his father, who he hasn’t met, in America. As Chinese immigrants in San Francisco, Moon Shadow, his father, and their extended family face many challenges while trying to run a successful laundromat.
Rising Action: The devastating San Francisco Earthquake of 1906 hits the area and there is massive destruction.
Climax: Windrider completes his airplane and everyone shows up to help him push it up the hill and watch him fly.
Falling Action: After a few minutes of flight, the plane crashes, leaving Windrider with some broken bones, but a joyful heart.
Resolution: The Company makes Windrider a partner in the business so that he can bring his wife over to America.
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 Dragonwings.
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 Dragonwings Plot Summary
Incorporate student discussion to deepen understanding of plot structure
Facilitate a class discussion after students complete their plot diagrams to encourage critical thinking about major events and turning points. Invite students to share and compare their interpretations, highlighting how each identifies key plot elements. This collaborative reflection helps students recognize multiple perspectives and strengthens comprehension of literary structure.
Assign student pairs to compare and contrast their plot diagrams
Pair students and ask them to exchange plot diagrams. Guide them to discuss similarities and differences in their identification of the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Encourage respectful dialogue about why they chose certain scenes, fostering deeper insight into narrative structure.
Guide students to justify their choices with text evidence
Require students to select and share specific passages from Dragonwings that support their choices for each plot element. Model how to cite the text and explain their reasoning. This step strengthens close reading skills and reinforces comprehension.
Invite students to revise their plot diagrams based on peer feedback
Encourage students to reflect on peer discussions and feedback. Allow them to make thoughtful changes to their diagrams, supporting a growth mindset and demonstrating that interpretation can evolve with new perspectives. Highlight the value of collaborative learning.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dragonwings Plot Summary
What is the plot summary of Dragonwings?
Dragonwings follows Moon Shadow, a young Chinese immigrant in early 1900s San Francisco, as he reunites with his father and faces challenges in America. Key events include the 1906 earthquake, Windrider's dream of flight, and the family's efforts to overcome hardship and achieve their dreams.
How do you create a plot diagram for Dragonwings?
To create a plot diagram for Dragonwings, divide the story into six parts: Title, Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Identify major events for each section and illustrate or describe them to show the narrative arc.
What are the major turning points in Dragonwings?
Major turning points in Dragonwings include Moon Shadow's arrival in America, the 1906 earthquake, Windrider building his airplane, the flight and crash, and the family's new opportunities after the flight.
Why is creating a plot diagram helpful when teaching Dragonwings?
Creating a plot diagram helps students break down complex stories like Dragonwings, reinforce major events, and deepen understanding of literary structure by visually mapping out the narrative.
What is an example of a visual plot diagram for Dragonwings?
An example plot diagram for Dragonwings includes the Exposition (Moon Shadow arrives in America), Rising Action (1906 earthquake), Climax (Windrider's flight), Falling Action (plane crash), and Resolution (Windrider becomes a business partner).
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