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, such as five act structure.
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 Esperanza Rising Plot Diagram
Exposition
Esperanza lives with her mother, father, and abuelita (grandmother) on El Rancho de las Rosas, a large vineyard in 1930s Mexico. Due to the family land, wealth, and faithful servants, Esperanza has lived a happy and privileged life with plenty of food, dresses, toys, and fun.
Conflict
When Papa is killed by bandits, his brothers, Tio Luis and Tio Marco, try to take over his home. When Mama refuses to marry Tio Luis, he burns down the house and vineyard. After this, Mama and Esperanza decide to secretly move to the U.S. with their servants Hortensia, Alfonso, and Miguel. Sadly, they must leave Abuelita behind for now.
Rising Action
Esperanza has difficulty adjusting to the work and the poor conditions in the farm camps in Los Angeles. When Mama is sent to the hospital, she begins working in the fields to support them. Each week, Esperanza saves a little money to pay for Abuelita's journey to the U.S. She never knows if the work will last, though, due to the threat of labor strikes.
Climax
Esperanza reaches her breaking point and tells Miguel she no longer has hope for the future. The next day, Miguel disappears, taking Esperanza's money with him.
Falling Action
Eventually, Mama comes home from the hospital. A little later, Miguel returns home with a surprise: he has brought Abuelita all the way from Mexico!
Resolution
Esperanza celebrates her first birthday after Papa's death. She has struggled through many difficulties, but grown stronger as a result. Her family is back together, and she once again has 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 Esperanza Rising.
- 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 helps students develop greater understanding of literary structures, such as five act structure.
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 Esperanza Rising Plot Diagram
Exposition
Esperanza lives with her mother, father, and abuelita (grandmother) on El Rancho de las Rosas, a large vineyard in 1930s Mexico. Due to the family land, wealth, and faithful servants, Esperanza has lived a happy and privileged life with plenty of food, dresses, toys, and fun.
Conflict
When Papa is killed by bandits, his brothers, Tio Luis and Tio Marco, try to take over his home. When Mama refuses to marry Tio Luis, he burns down the house and vineyard. After this, Mama and Esperanza decide to secretly move to the U.S. with their servants Hortensia, Alfonso, and Miguel. Sadly, they must leave Abuelita behind for now.
Rising Action
Esperanza has difficulty adjusting to the work and the poor conditions in the farm camps in Los Angeles. When Mama is sent to the hospital, she begins working in the fields to support them. Each week, Esperanza saves a little money to pay for Abuelita's journey to the U.S. She never knows if the work will last, though, due to the threat of labor strikes.
Climax
Esperanza reaches her breaking point and tells Miguel she no longer has hope for the future. The next day, Miguel disappears, taking Esperanza's money with him.
Falling Action
Eventually, Mama comes home from the hospital. A little later, Miguel returns home with a surprise: he has brought Abuelita all the way from Mexico!
Resolution
Esperanza celebrates her first birthday after Papa's death. She has struggled through many difficulties, but grown stronger as a result. Her family is back together, and she once again has 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 Esperanza Rising.
- 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 Esperanza Rising Plot Summary
Incorporate Character Analysis Activities Alongside Plot Diagrams
Deepen understanding by pairing plot diagram work with character analysis. Exploring character traits and changes helps students connect with the story on a personal level and supports comprehension of motivations and themes.
Assign each student a major character to track throughout the story
Have students choose or assign them a character, like Esperanza or Mama. Students should note character actions, thoughts, and feelings in a dedicated section of their notebooks or on a worksheet as they read each chapter.
Guide students to identify key moments of character growth or change
Ask students to pinpoint scenes where their character faces challenges or makes important decisions. Emphasize how these moments influence the character's development and affect the story's outcome.
Facilitate group discussions to compare character journeys
Organize small groups and have students share what they observed about their assigned characters. Encourage them to discuss similarities and differences in how characters react to events and grow over time.
Integrate character insights into students’ plot diagrams
Ask students to add notes or visuals about character changes at relevant points in their plot diagrams. This helps tie together plot structure and character arcs for a richer literary analysis experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Esperanza Rising Plot Summary
What is the plot summary of Esperanza Rising?
Esperanza Rising follows Esperanza, a young girl who loses her wealthy life in Mexico after her father's death and must adapt to hardships in a U.S. farm camp. The novel traces her journey from privilege to resilience, highlighting key events like family separation, overcoming adversity, and reuniting with her loved ones.
How can I create a plot diagram for Esperanza Rising?
To create a plot diagram for Esperanza Rising, divide the story into six parts: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. For each, illustrate and describe a major event, using a storyboard or graphic organizer to visualize the narrative arc.
What are the major events in Esperanza Rising’s plot?
Major events include Esperanza’s privileged life in Mexico, her father's death, fleeing to the U.S., adjusting to farm camp life, her mother's illness, saving for Abuelita’s journey, Miguel’s disappearance, and the family’s emotional reunion and renewed hope.
Why is teaching plot structure with Esperanza Rising effective for middle school students?
Esperanza Rising offers relatable themes and a clear narrative arc, making it ideal for teaching plot structure. Middle school students can visually organize events, understand literary elements, and connect emotionally to the character's growth and challenges.
What is the best way to help students understand the exposition, conflict, and resolution in Esperanza Rising?
The best way is to use a storyboard or plot diagram, prompting students to identify and illustrate key scenes for the exposition (Esperanza’s early life), conflict (family tragedy and escape), and resolution (family reunification and hope), encouraging discussion and written summaries.
More Storyboard That Activities
Esperanza Rising
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