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 Fish in a Tree. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Fish in a Tree Plot Diagram Example
Exposition: Ally doesn’t like school. She is always getting into trouble and the work is just too hard. When she tries to read or write, the words seem to dance around and she just can’t do it. Her teacher doesn’t understand her and the mean girls make fun of her. Until one day, when her teacher goes on maternity leave, Ally’s world changes and it’s because of Mr. Daniels; he is not like the others. In fact, he is not like anyone Ally has ever met.
Rising Action: Mrs. Hall leaves to have a baby, and Mr. Daniels is Ally’s new teacher. Ally finds it more and more difficult to hide her struggles from him.
Climax: Mr. Daniels asks Ally questions about what it’s like when she reads and tells her that he’d like to have her tested for dyslexia. He begins helping Ally after school and teaches her how to play chess.
Falling Action: Mr. Daniels tells the class about the famous people who struggled with dyslexia. Ally’s classmates think it’s cool that Ally is like these famous people and everyone begins getting along - except for Shay. Ally becomes class president. Also, Albert confronts the bullies who have been beating up for a long time.
Resolution: Ally has gained confidence and Mr. Daniels offers to help Ally’s brother, Travis, learn to read.
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 Fish in a Tree.
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 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 Fish in a Tree. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Fish in a Tree Plot Diagram Example
Exposition: Ally doesn’t like school. She is always getting into trouble and the work is just too hard. When she tries to read or write, the words seem to dance around and she just can’t do it. Her teacher doesn’t understand her and the mean girls make fun of her. Until one day, when her teacher goes on maternity leave, Ally’s world changes and it’s because of Mr. Daniels; he is not like the others. In fact, he is not like anyone Ally has ever met.
Rising Action: Mrs. Hall leaves to have a baby, and Mr. Daniels is Ally’s new teacher. Ally finds it more and more difficult to hide her struggles from him.
Climax: Mr. Daniels asks Ally questions about what it’s like when she reads and tells her that he’d like to have her tested for dyslexia. He begins helping Ally after school and teaches her how to play chess.
Falling Action: Mr. Daniels tells the class about the famous people who struggled with dyslexia. Ally’s classmates think it’s cool that Ally is like these famous people and everyone begins getting along - except for Shay. Ally becomes class president. Also, Albert confronts the bullies who have been beating up for a long time.
Resolution: Ally has gained confidence and Mr. Daniels offers to help Ally’s brother, Travis, learn to read.
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 Fish in a Tree.
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 Fish in a Tree Summary
How to facilitate a class discussion on character growth in 'Fish in a Tree'
Encourage students to reflect on how Ally changes throughout the story. Ask open-ended questions about her feelings, actions, and relationships to help students connect with her journey.
Guide students in citing text evidence for character changes
Model the process of finding and quoting parts of the book that show how Ally grows. Prompt students to support their ideas with specific examples from the text.
Use graphic organizers to track character development
Provide visual tools like character maps or timelines for students to record key moments that influence Ally’s growth. This helps students organize their thoughts and see patterns in her development.
Foster empathy through role-play activities
Invite students to act out pivotal scenes from Ally’s perspective. This builds empathy and deepens understanding of how her experiences shape who she becomes.
Conclude with a reflective writing prompt
Ask students to write about how Ally’s story inspired them or changed their view of learning challenges. This personal reflection reinforces the lesson and encourages meaningful connections.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fish in a Tree Summary
What is a plot diagram for Fish in a Tree?
A plot diagram for Fish in a Tree is a visual tool that breaks down the novel’s major events into key elements: Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. It helps students track Ally’s journey and understand the story structure.
How can I teach Fish in a Tree with a storyboard activity?
To teach Fish in a Tree using a storyboard, have students create a six-cell diagram. Each cell should illustrate and describe a major plot point, from the exposition through the resolution, reinforcing comprehension and literary analysis skills.
What are the main events in Fish in a Tree’s plot?
The main events in Fish in a Tree include Ally’s struggles at school, the arrival of Mr. Daniels, Ally being tested for dyslexia, her classmates’ support, and her growth in confidence, ending with her willingness to help her brother.
Why is it important for students to create a plot diagram?
Creating a plot diagram helps students identify key story elements, reinforce understanding of narrative structure, and remember major events. It also promotes critical thinking and engagement with the text.
What is the best way to help students visualize the plot of Fish in a Tree?
The best way to help students visualize the plot is by having them make a storyboard plot diagram. This hands-on activity allows learners to illustrate and summarize each part of the story, making the narrative arc clear and memorable.
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