Activity Overview
Creating a plot diagram not only helps students learn the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and helps students develop a 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 the entire story of Echo. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution in all four stories from the book. To scaffold or differentiate this activity, teachers may ask students to illustrate the plot of only one story and include where they converge at the end. Pre made activities for this can be found on the main lesson plan page for Echo.
Students Can Collaborate!
Teachers may wish for students to work together on this lesson which is possible with Storyboard That's Real Time Collaboration feature! With Real Time Collaboration, students can work on the same storyboard at the same time which is perfect for this lesson! As teachers know, collaborating on assignments allows students to think on a deeper level while increasing their communication and problem-solving skills. Collaboration can also help cut down on the time it takes to complete a storyboard. While there is no set limit to the number of users who can work on a storyboard at once, we recommend five users or fewer for optimal performance. All of our assignments default to individual. To make this lesson collaborative, teachers must enable collaboration for the assignment within the "Edit Assignment" tab.
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 for all four stories in Echo.
Student Instructions:
- 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.
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 helps students develop a 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 the entire story of Echo. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution in all four stories from the book. To scaffold or differentiate this activity, teachers may ask students to illustrate the plot of only one story and include where they converge at the end. Pre made activities for this can be found on the main lesson plan page for Echo.
Students Can Collaborate!
Teachers may wish for students to work together on this lesson which is possible with Storyboard That's Real Time Collaboration feature! With Real Time Collaboration, students can work on the same storyboard at the same time which is perfect for this lesson! As teachers know, collaborating on assignments allows students to think on a deeper level while increasing their communication and problem-solving skills. Collaboration can also help cut down on the time it takes to complete a storyboard. While there is no set limit to the number of users who can work on a storyboard at once, we recommend five users or fewer for optimal performance. All of our assignments default to individual. To make this lesson collaborative, teachers must enable collaboration for the assignment within the "Edit Assignment" tab.
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 for all four stories in Echo.
Student Instructions:
- 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.
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 Echo Summary
Organize student plot diagrams with a graphic organizer template
Provide students with a clear, structured template to guide them as they map out the plot. This helps students visually separate story elements and focus on each part, ensuring their diagrams stay organized and complete.
Model how to fill out each section of the plot diagram
Demonstrate how to identify and summarize key events for each story part using a sample text or one of the stories from Echo. This gives students a concrete example and builds their confidence.
Assign roles or sections for group work
Divide plot sections or stories among students when working collaboratively. This allows each student to focus on a specific part and encourages active participation in group projects.
Encourage the use of visuals and dialogue in each cell
Remind students to use meaningful images and short bits of dialogue or narration to bring each plot point to life. Visuals deepen understanding and make storyboards more engaging.
Facilitate peer review and discussion
Invite students to review each other's diagrams and discuss choices. This promotes critical thinking and helps students see different perspectives on the same story.
Frequently Asked Questions about Echo Summary
How can I teach students to create a plot diagram for Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan?
Start by breaking down Echo into its four stories, and guide students to identify the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution for each. Have students use a six-cell storyboard to visually represent key moments, encouraging them to illustrate and describe each plot component.
What are the main parts of a plot diagram I should include in a lesson on Echo?
The main parts to cover are: Title, Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Ensure students understand and can identify these elements within each story in Echo for a comprehensive plot diagram.
How can students collaborate on a plot diagram activity for Echo?
Enable Real Time Collaboration in Storyboard That so students can work together on the same storyboard. Collaboration boosts communication and problem-solving skills, and teachers should set the group size to five or fewer for best results.
Are there pre-made plot diagram activities for Echo available?
Yes, pre-made activities for Echo can be found on the main lesson plan page. These resources save planning time and offer ready-to-use templates for plot diagram lessons.
What is the best way to scaffold a plot diagram activity for different student needs?
Differentiation options include having students focus on just one story within Echo or illustrate where the four stories converge. Adjusting the scope helps meet diverse learning needs and abilities.
More Storyboard That Activities
Echo
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