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https://www.test.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/night-by-elie-wiesel/plot-diagram
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
A common use for Storyboard That is to help students create a plot diagram of the events from a book. 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.
Even true stories, like memoirs, can have a plot arch. Students can create a storyboard capturing the narrative arc of Night with a six-cell storyboard containing the major parts of the plot diagram. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the book in sequence using Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Template and Class Instructions
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 Night.
- 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
Student Rubric
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Plot Diagram Rubric (Grades 5-8)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Creative Elements | Creativity and imagery are used effectively (helps to tell the story). At least three Textables are included in plot diagram. | Creative elements (clipart) are somewhat distracting. At least two Textables throughout their plot diagram. | Creativity is minimally apparent, and the overall design shows a lack of effort. Clipart may be confusing and distract from the story. Student used one or fewer Textables. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling within the Textables is mostly correct (fewer than eight errors). Grammar does not hinder understanding. | Spelling within textables is somewhat correct (fewer than 10 errors). Grammar may hinder some understanding or make reading difficult. | Spelling is mostly incorrect (10 or more errors). Grammar severely hinders understanding. |
| Plot Elements | There are three complete slides: one for beginning, one for the middle, and one for the end. Slides explain the work of prose and are easy to follow. | There are three cells, but one or two do not depict the correct element within the work of prose (e.g. the beginning is misplaced). Story is somewhat difficult to follow. | One or more cells is missing. Only one part of the plot is represented (e.g. only the beginning). Story is hard to follow. |
Lesson Plan Overview
A common use for Storyboard That is to help students create a plot diagram of the events from a book. 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.
Even true stories, like memoirs, can have a plot arch. Students can create a storyboard capturing the narrative arc of Night with a six-cell storyboard containing the major parts of the plot diagram. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the book in sequence using Exposition, Conflict, 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.)
Student Instructions
Create a visual plot diagram of Night.
- 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
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Plot Diagram Rubric (Grades 5-8)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Creative Elements | Creativity and imagery are used effectively (helps to tell the story). At least three Textables are included in plot diagram. | Creative elements (clipart) are somewhat distracting. At least two Textables throughout their plot diagram. | Creativity is minimally apparent, and the overall design shows a lack of effort. Clipart may be confusing and distract from the story. Student used one or fewer Textables. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling within the Textables is mostly correct (fewer than eight errors). Grammar does not hinder understanding. | Spelling within textables is somewhat correct (fewer than 10 errors). Grammar may hinder some understanding or make reading difficult. | Spelling is mostly incorrect (10 or more errors). Grammar severely hinders understanding. |
| Plot Elements | There are three complete slides: one for beginning, one for the middle, and one for the end. Slides explain the work of prose and are easy to follow. | There are three cells, but one or two do not depict the correct element within the work of prose (e.g. the beginning is misplaced). Story is somewhat difficult to follow. | One or more cells is missing. Only one part of the plot is represented (e.g. only the beginning). Story is hard to follow. |
How Tos about Plot Diagram Activity for Night
1
Introduce the plot diagram with an engaging class discussion
Begin by asking students what they think makes a story interesting. Encourage participation and jot down their ideas on the board. Highlight familiar story elements such as conflict, climax, and resolution. This primes students for the plot diagram activity and connects prior knowledge to new learning.
2
Model creating a plot diagram using a well-known short story
Display a simple short story (like a fairy tale) and walk through each part of the plot diagram—exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Use visuals or a whiteboard to sketch each section as you explain. Demonstrate how to identify key events and summarize them briefly.
3
Guide students in brainstorming key events from 'Night' before they storyboard
Ask students to recall and list major events from 'Night' as a class or in small groups. Prompt them to consider turning points and moments of change for the main character. This helps students organize their thoughts before starting the visual activity.
4
Assign students to create a rough draft of their plot diagram on paper
Have students sketch their plot diagrams and jot down event descriptions for each section before moving to digital tools. This allows for easy editing and planning. Provide feedback or peer review to help students refine their ideas.
5
Facilitate a gallery walk for students to share and discuss their plot diagrams
Arrange for students to display their finished diagrams and walk around the classroom to view others’ work. Encourage positive feedback and discussion about different interpretations of key events. This builds confidence and deepens understanding of literary structure.
Frequently Asked Questions about Plot Diagram Activity for Night
What is a plot diagram activity for Night by Elie Wiesel?
A plot diagram activity for Night by Elie Wiesel helps students visually map the key events in the memoir using parts like Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. This activity deepens understanding of both the story and literary structure.
How can students create a storyboard plot diagram for Night?
Students can create a storyboard plot diagram by dividing Night into six parts: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. For each, they design a scene and write a brief description to capture major events in sequence.
What are the steps to make a plot diagram for a memoir like Night?
To make a plot diagram for Night, students should: 1) Identify the Exposition, 2) Determine the main Conflict, 3) Outline the Rising Action, 4) Pinpoint the Climax, 5) Describe the Falling Action, and 6) Summarize the Resolution, illustrating each part with images and descriptions.
Why use a plot diagram to teach Night in high school?
Using a plot diagram to teach Night helps high school students visually organize the memoir's structure, reinforces comprehension of major events, and supports analysis of literary elements, making abstract concepts more concrete.
What are the benefits of using storyboards for plot diagram activities?
Storyboards make plot diagram activities more engaging by allowing students to visualize events, improve sequencing skills, and better retain key literary concepts. They also encourage creativity and deeper analysis of the story.
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https://www.test.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/night-by-elie-wiesel/plot-diagram
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© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
