Activity Overview
Reading memoirs or true accounts of a historical event is a great way for students to connect with history. This activity combines ELA with history, while students read Cynthia Grady's book Write to Me. The book can be read as a class read-aloud or as independent reading. Then, students will create a visual plot diagram of major events in the story.
Creating a plot diagram not only helps students learn the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and help students develop greater understanding of literary structures. Their storyboards 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 of Write to Me.
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
Reading memoirs or true accounts of a historical event is a great way for students to connect with history. This activity combines ELA with history, while students read Cynthia Grady's book Write to Me. The book can be read as a class read-aloud or as independent reading. Then, students will create a visual plot diagram of major events in the story.
Creating a plot diagram not only helps students learn the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and help students develop greater understanding of literary structures. Their storyboards 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 of Write to Me.
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 Write to Me Visual Summary
Incorporate primary source letters into your Write to Me lesson
Enhance your lesson by including actual letters from Japanese American children in WWII. Primary sources deepen empathy and bring history to life for students.
Select age-appropriate primary sources
Choose letters that are understandable and relevant for grades 2–8. Look for short, clear examples that highlight children's voices and personal experiences.
Provide historical context before reading
Introduce a brief background on Japanese American incarceration and why children wrote letters. This helps students connect emotionally and understand the significance.
Read and discuss the letters as a class
Share the letters aloud, then facilitate a discussion about students' reactions and connections to Write to Me. Encourage them to identify feelings and perspectives in the letters.
Integrate letter themes into plot diagrams
Ask students to reference themes or details from the primary source letters as they create their visual plot diagrams. This strengthens understanding of both the story and the historical era.
Frequently Asked Questions about Write to Me Visual Summary
What is a visual plot diagram and how does it help students understand 'Write to Me'?
A visual plot diagram is a graphic organizer that outlines key events in a story, such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. For 'Write to Me,' creating a visual plot diagram helps students identify major story events and deepen their understanding of literary structure by connecting text to visuals.
How can I teach 'Write to Me' by Cynthia Grady as a class read-aloud and incorporate a plot diagram activity?
Begin by reading 'Write to Me' aloud as a class. After reading, guide students to break down the story into key plot elements and create a visual plot diagram. Encourage them to illustrate each section and write brief descriptions, reinforcing comprehension and engagement with the historical content.
What are the major plot points to include in a 'Write to Me' plot diagram for middle school students?
Key plot points for a 'Write to Me' plot diagram include the Title, Exposition (introduction and setting), Rising Action (events leading to the main conflict), Climax (turning point), Falling Action (events following the climax), and Resolution (story's conclusion).
What skills do students build by creating a visual plot diagram for historical memoirs like 'Write to Me'?
By creating a visual plot diagram, students strengthen reading comprehension, learn to identify literary elements, and connect historical events to personal stories. This activity also boosts visual literacy and encourages critical thinking about history.
What is the best way to help students visually represent key moments from 'Write to Me'?
The best approach is to have students use storyboards or graphic organizers to illustrate each plot element with scenes, characters, and items from the book. Pairing images with short descriptions ensures students capture both the emotional and historical significance of each moment.
More Storyboard That Activities
Japanese American Incarceration in WWII
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