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 help students develop greater understanding of literary structures. Sometimes students will really have to think carefully about which events are major turning points in the plot.
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 "Ghost of the Lagoon" Plot Diagram
Exposition
One night, Mako's grandfather tells him of a creature that inhabits the lagoon near the village. This creature, Tupa, has frightened the villagers for many years. King Opu Nui has offered a reward for Tupa’s capture.
Conflict
Mako’s mother believes it is time for Mako to learn the truth, and the main conflict arises. His father was one of the fishermen who was killed by the shark, Tupa. He vows to kill the shark to avenge his father and to claim the reward.
Rising Action
Mako's mother sends him on an errand. Mako and his dog, Afa, travel to a nearby island to pick some bananas and oranges. Mako imagines the reef as a great white shark, and dreams of defeating Tupa.
Climax
Mako sees Tupa’s dorsal fin circling the canoe. Afa falls into the water and is in danger! Mako kills the shark with his spear.
Falling Action
After Mako’s great victory, Mako ties the shark's tail to the boat and tows it behind him. He brings the shark back home.
Resolution
The villagers are thrilled that Mako has defeated Tupa. Mako will be awarded thirty acres of land and a canoe after a celebration feast the next day.
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 "Ghost of the Lagoon".
- 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 help students develop greater understanding of literary structures. Sometimes students will really have to think carefully about which events are major turning points in the plot.
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 "Ghost of the Lagoon" Plot Diagram
Exposition
One night, Mako's grandfather tells him of a creature that inhabits the lagoon near the village. This creature, Tupa, has frightened the villagers for many years. King Opu Nui has offered a reward for Tupa’s capture.
Conflict
Mako’s mother believes it is time for Mako to learn the truth, and the main conflict arises. His father was one of the fishermen who was killed by the shark, Tupa. He vows to kill the shark to avenge his father and to claim the reward.
Rising Action
Mako's mother sends him on an errand. Mako and his dog, Afa, travel to a nearby island to pick some bananas and oranges. Mako imagines the reef as a great white shark, and dreams of defeating Tupa.
Climax
Mako sees Tupa’s dorsal fin circling the canoe. Afa falls into the water and is in danger! Mako kills the shark with his spear.
Falling Action
After Mako’s great victory, Mako ties the shark's tail to the boat and tows it behind him. He brings the shark back home.
Resolution
The villagers are thrilled that Mako has defeated Tupa. Mako will be awarded thirty acres of land and a canoe after a celebration feast the next day.
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 "Ghost of the Lagoon".
- 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 \"Ghost of the Lagoon\" Summary
Engage students with a character analysis activity for 'Ghost of the Lagoon'
Character analysis helps students dive deeper into the story by focusing on the traits, motivations, and changes of key figures. This builds critical thinking and comprehension.
Select a main character together as a class
Guide students to pick either Mako or another key character. This ensures focus and encourages discussion about character importance.
List character traits with text evidence
Have students brainstorm adjectives that describe their chosen character. Challenge them to cite specific words or actions from the story that support each trait.
Map the character’s actions and changes across the plot
Ask students to note how the character behaves in each part of the plot diagram. This highlights growth, challenges, and key moments of decision.
Lead a discussion on how the character’s choices affect the story outcome
Encourage students to connect the character’s decisions to the resolution and themes of the story. This deepens understanding and makes the lesson more meaningful.
Frequently Asked Questions about \"Ghost of the Lagoon\" Summary
What is the plot summary of "Ghost of the Lagoon"?
"Ghost of the Lagoon" follows Mako as he confronts the legendary shark Tupa to avenge his father and protect his village. The story traces his journey from learning about Tupa, facing his fears, to ultimately defeating the shark and earning a hero's reward.
How can students create a plot diagram for "Ghost of the Lagoon"?
Students can make a plot diagram by dividing the story into six parts: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. For each part, they should illustrate a key event and add a short description to explain its role in the narrative arc.
What are the major events in the "Ghost of the Lagoon" plot diagram?
The major events include: Mako learns about Tupa (Exposition), vows to defeat the shark (Conflict), journeys to the island (Rising Action), faces and kills Tupa (Climax), returns with the shark (Falling Action), and is celebrated by the villagers (Resolution).
What is the best way to teach plot structure using "Ghost of the Lagoon"?
The best way is to have students create a visual storyboard or diagram. This helps reinforce the six key plot elements and encourages deeper understanding by connecting images with plot points and descriptions.
Why is "Ghost of the Lagoon" effective for teaching narrative structure to middle school students?
"Ghost of the Lagoon" is effective because it features clear plot elements, relatable characters, and dramatic tension, making it easy for students to identify each part of the narrative. Its engaging storyline also keeps students interested while learning literary concepts.
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