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 Inside Out and Back Again. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
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 Inside Out and Back Again.
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 Inside Out and Back Again. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
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 Inside Out and Back Again.
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 Inside Out and Back Again Visual Summary
How to teach theme analysis using 'Inside Out and Back Again'
Guide students to identify and analyze key themes like resilience, adaptation, and family by discussing examples from the text. Use quotes and illustrations from their plot diagrams to spark conversation and deeper understanding.
Begin with a class discussion about challenges faced by the main character
Encourage students to share moments when Hà faced difficulties. This helps them connect personal experiences to the story and sets the stage for theme exploration.
Have students highlight passages that reveal major themes
Ask students to mark or write down lines from the text that show resilience, adaptation, or family support. This encourages close reading and evidence-based thinking.
Facilitate small group discussions to compare theme interpretations
Let students share their findings in groups, discussing how different events or quotes reveal similar or different themes. This builds collaboration and multiple perspectives.
Wrap up with a creative reflection activity
Invite students to write or draw about a time they demonstrated a theme from the novel in their own lives. This personalizes learning and strengthens comprehension.
Frequently Asked Questions about Inside Out and Back Again Visual Summary
How can I create a visual plot diagram for Inside Out and Back Again?
To create a visual plot diagram for Inside Out and Back Again, divide the story into sections: Title, Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. For each part, make an image that represents key events, using characters and scenes, and write a brief description explaining its significance.
What are the major plot points in Inside Out and Back Again?
The major plot points in Inside Out and Back Again are: Exposition (introduction of Hà and her family in Vietnam), Rising Action (the family’s struggles during the Vietnam War), Climax (their escape and journey to America), Falling Action (adjusting to life in a new country), and Resolution (Hà’s adaptation and growth in her new home).
Why is a plot diagram useful for teaching Inside Out and Back Again?
A plot diagram helps students visually organize the main events of the novel, reinforcing their understanding of story structure and allowing them to identify important turning points, which deepens comprehension and supports literary analysis.
What should students include in each part of the Inside Out and Back Again plot diagram?
Students should include a relevant image and a brief description for each section: Title, Exposition (background and setting), Rising Action (building conflicts), Climax (turning point), Falling Action (aftermath of the climax), and Resolution (story’s conclusion).
What is the best way to help middle schoolers understand the narrative arc using Inside Out and Back Again?
The best way is to have students create a six-part visual storyboard that illustrates and summarizes each plot point in Inside Out and Back Again. This hands-on activity makes abstract concepts concrete and encourages deeper engagement with the text.
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