Activity Overview
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. 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 Milkweed. 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 of Milkweed.
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 help students develop 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 Milkweed. 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 of Milkweed.
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 Plot Summary for Milkweed
How to Facilitate a Class Discussion on Plot Development in 'Milkweed'
Engage students by prompting them to share their ideas about each major plot point. Encourage participation by asking open-ended questions and connecting student responses to the plot diagram. This helps students deepen comprehension and relate events to character development.
Prepare guiding questions before the discussion
Write a list of thought-provoking questions for each plot stage, such as "What challenges does Misha face in the rising action?". Well-prepared questions keep the conversation focused and support critical thinking.
Set clear expectations for participation
Explain to students that everyone's ideas are welcome and respectful listening is expected. Clarifying expectations encourages a safe, inclusive classroom environment.
Use the plot diagram as a visual anchor during discussion
Display the plot diagram on the board or projector. Refer to it regularly so students can visualize the story structure and connect their comments to specific events.
Summarize key insights together at the end
Invite students to recap what they've learned about the plot and characters. Highlight main takeaways and address any lingering questions to solidify understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about Plot Summary for Milkweed
What is a plot diagram for Milkweed?
A plot diagram for Milkweed visually maps out the novel's major events by separating the story into key sections: Title, Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. This helps students understand how the narrative unfolds and highlights important turning points in Jerry Spinelli's book.
How do students create a plot diagram for Milkweed?
To create a plot diagram for Milkweed, students should divide the story into its main parts—Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. For each part, they can draw or select images representing important moments, and write a brief description explaining its significance in the story.
What are the major turning points in Milkweed's plot?
The major turning points in Milkweed include the Exposition (introduction of characters and setting), Rising Action (conflicts and challenges faced by the protagonist), Climax (the story's most intense moment), Falling Action (events following the climax), and Resolution (how the story concludes).
Why is creating a plot diagram helpful for understanding Milkweed?
Creating a plot diagram helps students visually organize and reinforce the sequence of events in Milkweed. This activity deepens comprehension, clarifies literary structure, and supports memory of key moments in the novel.
What tools or templates can teachers use for a Milkweed plot diagram activity?
Teachers can use storyboard templates, printable plot diagram worksheets, or digital tools like online storyboard creators to guide students in visually mapping out Milkweed's narrative arc.
More Storyboard That Activities
Milkweed
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
