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.
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.
Frederick Douglass Plot Diagram Example
Exposition
Douglass is born sometime around 1818 and grows up as a slave on cruel plantation in Maryland. He sees his mother a handful of times before she dies, and he grows up hungry, cold, and unloved.
Conflict
Douglass is enslaved for life and becomes increasingly unhappy about this reality.
Rising Action
At a young age. Douglass is transferred to the family of Hugh Auld in Baltimore where he learns to read and develops a hatred of slavery. Due to a series of deaths and inheritances, Douglass is moved back and forth between Baltimore and various other locations, eventually ending up under the ownership of Thomas Auld in St. Michael’s, Maryland.
Climax
The turning point in Douglass's life occurs when he fights back against the vicious slave breaker Edward Covey. By standing up for himself, Douglass gains a sense of self-respect and an increased desire for freedom.
Falling Action
Douglass plans to escape from Mr. Freeland but is betrayed and imprisoned. Eventually he ends up back with Hugh Auld in Baltimore. Here he works as a ship caulker and earns a small amount of money he hopes to use in a second escape attempt.
Resolution
Eventually, in 1838, Douglass succeeds in escaping to New York City. He marries Anna Murray, a free woman who followed him north from Baltimore, and begins his life as a free man.
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 Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.
- 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.
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.
Frederick Douglass Plot Diagram Example
Exposition
Douglass is born sometime around 1818 and grows up as a slave on cruel plantation in Maryland. He sees his mother a handful of times before she dies, and he grows up hungry, cold, and unloved.
Conflict
Douglass is enslaved for life and becomes increasingly unhappy about this reality.
Rising Action
At a young age. Douglass is transferred to the family of Hugh Auld in Baltimore where he learns to read and develops a hatred of slavery. Due to a series of deaths and inheritances, Douglass is moved back and forth between Baltimore and various other locations, eventually ending up under the ownership of Thomas Auld in St. Michael’s, Maryland.
Climax
The turning point in Douglass's life occurs when he fights back against the vicious slave breaker Edward Covey. By standing up for himself, Douglass gains a sense of self-respect and an increased desire for freedom.
Falling Action
Douglass plans to escape from Mr. Freeland but is betrayed and imprisoned. Eventually he ends up back with Hugh Auld in Baltimore. Here he works as a ship caulker and earns a small amount of money he hopes to use in a second escape attempt.
Resolution
Eventually, in 1838, Douglass succeeds in escaping to New York City. He marries Anna Murray, a free woman who followed him north from Baltimore, and begins his life as a free man.
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 Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.
- 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 Frederick Douglass Summary
Organize a Frederick Douglass timeline activity for deeper understanding
Engage students by creating a chronological timeline of key events from Frederick Douglass's life. Timelines help students visualize historical progression and connect major moments, strengthening comprehension and retention.
Assign students to research and select five major milestones
Have each student (or group) identify five pivotal moments in Douglass's life. Encourage use of classroom materials or approved websites to ensure accuracy and relevance.
Guide students to create illustrated timeline cards
Ask students to draw or digitally design cards representing each milestone, including dates and a brief description. Adding visuals and text supports multiple learning styles and makes the activity interactive.
Lead a timeline walk and discussion
Display the timeline cards in order across a wall or bulletin board. Invite students to present their milestones and discuss why each event was significant to Douglass's journey.
Reflect on Douglass’s growth and legacy as a class
Facilitate a group reflection on how the chosen milestones shaped Douglass's character and contributions. This helps students synthesize information and understand the impact of his legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Frederick Douglass Summary
What is a plot diagram for 'Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass'?
A plot diagram for 'Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass' visually outlines the main events of Douglass's journey from slavery to freedom. It includes the exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, helping students understand the story's structure and key moments.
How can students create a storyboard for Frederick Douglass's narrative?
Students can create a storyboard by dividing the story into six main parts: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. For each section, they draw or design a scene, then write a brief description of the events in that part of Frederick Douglass’s life.
Why use a plot diagram to teach Frederick Douglass's autobiography?
Plot diagrams help students break down complex narratives like Douglass's autobiography, making it easier to identify major themes, follow character development, and understand cause-and-effect relationships within the story.
What are the key events in the Frederick Douglass plot diagram?
The key events include Douglass's birth into slavery, learning to read, resisting the slave breaker Edward Covey, planning his escape, and achieving freedom. Each event fits into a specific plot stage, illustrating Douglass’s path to liberation.
What is the climax of 'Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass'?
The climax occurs when Frederick Douglass fights back against Edward Covey, the slave breaker. This act marks a turning point, giving Douglass a sense of self-respect and fueling his determination to gain freedom.
More Storyboard That Activities
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
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