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 the story. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
To scaffold or tailor this activity, teachers may choose to add images or descriptions and have students fill in the blanks. For younger students, it may be helpful to complete a "Beginning, Middle, End" summary instead. Be sure to update the student instructions as necessary!
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 the story.
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.
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 To Explain the Sequence of a Plot Diagram to Younger Students
Explain the Components
Begin the lesson by explaining the components of a plot diagram to students in detail. Teachers can first talk more about the concept of the plot diagram itself such as how it originated, why it is used, and what kind of advantages it can provide and then move towards explaining each component in sequence using various examples.
Explain Using Relatable Examples
Teachers can talk about the concept using relatable ideas and examples that students are already familiar with. For instance, using a small and interesting story which students know the plot of or even giving an example from daily life will help the students grasp the concept more swiftly. Teachers can also ask the students to share any example which comes to their mind and carry the discussion.
Conduct an Activity
In order to help the students apply the concepts present in the class, teachers can give them a practice activity. Provide the students with a short story containing all the elements of the plot diagram. Ask the students to first recognize these elements by highlighting them and then summarize each part to create a plot diagram on a chart paper. Students can also conduct these activities in groups and add interesting visuals to the diagram.
Promote Curiosity
Establish a safe and healthy space for students in class. Ensure that the students are at ease enough to ask questions and express their opinions about the different concepts and ideas discussed in class.
Reinforce and Assess
Dedicate 5-10 minutes at the start of each class to discuss and reinforce previous concepts. Teachers can arrange the lesson plans in a way that the previous concept can be somehow connected with the next one. Frequently assess the learning pace and understanding level of students by conducting short quizzes and assignments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Analyzing and Creating Plot Diagrams for Novels and Stories
How does the exposition contribute to the overall significance of the plot?
The primary characters, setting, and opening events of the story are introduced in the exposition. To set the scene for the story and hold the reader's attention, it gives crucial background information. Students can make their creative stories more interesting by grabbing the attention through a well-written exposition.
What is the purpose of rising action in the narrative?
Because of the conflicts, difficulties, and obstacles the characters must overcome, the plot develops and the tension rises as a result of the rising action. Both the reader's interest and the plot are maintained by it. It also leads the readers to the climax unveiling all the suspense and mystery present in the story.
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