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 Full Cicada Moon. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Full Cicada Moon Plot Diagram Example
Exposition: This story takes place in a predominantly white town in Vermont in 1969. Mimi and her parents have moved from California for her father’s job, and must adapt to being a mixed race family in a town with very little diversity.
Rising Action: Mimi befriends Stacey. The two girls peacefully sit in the shop class and refuse to get up when the teachers tells them they can’t be there.
Climax: Mimi and Stacey are suspended, and when they get back to school, the boys are in home economics and the girls are in shop.
Falling Action: The principal agrees to start clubs for the classes after school, so that anyone can join.
Resolution: After Mimi’s family brings Mr. Dell a Thanksgiving dinner, he apologizes for how rude he has been. He takes Mimi for a ride on his plane and lets her steer.
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 Full Cicada Moon.
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 Full Cicada Moon. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Full Cicada Moon Plot Diagram Example
Exposition: This story takes place in a predominantly white town in Vermont in 1969. Mimi and her parents have moved from California for her father’s job, and must adapt to being a mixed race family in a town with very little diversity.
Rising Action: Mimi befriends Stacey. The two girls peacefully sit in the shop class and refuse to get up when the teachers tells them they can’t be there.
Climax: Mimi and Stacey are suspended, and when they get back to school, the boys are in home economics and the girls are in shop.
Falling Action: The principal agrees to start clubs for the classes after school, so that anyone can join.
Resolution: After Mimi’s family brings Mr. Dell a Thanksgiving dinner, he apologizes for how rude he has been. He takes Mimi for a ride on his plane and lets her steer.
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 Full Cicada Moon.
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 Full Cicada Moon Summary
Set clear expectations for your plot diagram project
Clarify the assignment goals and review the plot diagram components with your class before students begin. This ensures everyone understands what is expected, saving time and reducing confusion later.
Model how to identify key plot points together
Work through an example story as a class, identifying exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. This demonstrates how to break down a narrative and prepares students to analyze Full Cicada Moon independently.
Guide students in brainstorming visual representations
Encourage students to think creatively about scenes, characters, or symbols that represent each plot stage. Provide prompts or visual aids to help them generate ideas before starting their storyboard.
Support students as they create and describe each plot part
Monitor student progress and offer feedback as they create images and write descriptions. Remind them to focus on the most important moments and to keep explanations concise but clear.
Facilitate peer review and reflection
Have students share their plot diagrams with classmates and provide constructive feedback. This reinforces understanding of plot structure and builds confidence in presenting literary analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions about Full Cicada Moon Summary
What is a plot diagram for Full Cicada Moon?
A plot diagram for Full Cicada Moon visually maps out the key events of the novel, including the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. It helps students track the story's structure and major turning points, such as Mimi's adjustment to a new town and important moments in her journey.
How can I teach students to create a plot diagram for a novel?
To teach students to create a plot diagram, have them separate the story into the main elements: Title, Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Encourage them to use images and brief descriptions for each part, focusing on pivotal events. Visual storyboarding tools work well for this activity.
What are the main events in Full Cicada Moon’s plot structure?
The main events in Full Cicada Moon include Mimi's move to Vermont (exposition), her friendship with Stacey and defiance in shop class (rising action), their suspension (climax), the school introducing new clubs (falling action), and Mr. Dell's apology and airplane ride with Mimi (resolution).
Why is creating a plot diagram helpful for understanding Full Cicada Moon?
Creating a plot diagram helps students visualize story structure, reinforce comprehension of major events, and identify turning points. It encourages deeper literary analysis and supports recall and discussion of the novel’s themes and character development.
What are some tips for making engaging plot diagrams in middle school ELA?
To make engaging plot diagrams, use visuals like images or drawings, encourage creativity in scene choices, and prompt students to write concise descriptions. Interactive digital tools can make the process fun, and discussing each plot part as a class increases understanding.
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