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https://www.test.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/number-the-stars-by-lois-lowry/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.
Number the Stars Plot Diagram Example
Exposition
Number the Stars begins with Annemarie and Ellen, her Jewish friend, having a run-in with some Nazi soldiers. They are very scared of the soldiers.
Conflict
The Nazis want to round up the Danish Jewish population, despite an agreement that they wouldn't be aggressive.
Rising Action
Annemarie’s family decide to help sneak Ellen, her family, and other Jewish Danes who Annemarie doesn’t know, to the safety of Sweden by smuggling them on Uncle Henrik’s fishing boat.
Climax
Annemarie is tasked with taking a very important basket filled with lunch goodies to Uncle Henrik. She doesn’t realize it, but the handkerchief that is packed under the lunch is covered with a special drug that the resistance scientists have formulated. It attracts the Nazis guard dogs, but when the dogs sniff the substance, it makes them lose their sense of smell, rendering them useless at finding stowaway Jews. Annemarie gets stopped by some Nazi soldiers and almost has her whole basket taken. Without that handkerchief, the Rosens and all the other stowaways on Henrik’s boat would have been discovered.
Falling Action
The Rosens and the other Jews are packed into the boat and the dogs don’t detect them because they’ve smelled the handkerchief.
Resolution
All of the Jews that Uncle Henrik sailed to Sweden are safe and sound in the neutral country. Annemarie can safely sit back and fondly think about her friend, Ellen.
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 Number the Stars.
- 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 for Middle School
Create a plot diagram for the story using Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
| 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. |
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.
Number the Stars Plot Diagram Example
Exposition
Number the Stars begins with Annemarie and Ellen, her Jewish friend, having a run-in with some Nazi soldiers. They are very scared of the soldiers.
Conflict
The Nazis want to round up the Danish Jewish population, despite an agreement that they wouldn't be aggressive.
Rising Action
Annemarie’s family decide to help sneak Ellen, her family, and other Jewish Danes who Annemarie doesn’t know, to the safety of Sweden by smuggling them on Uncle Henrik’s fishing boat.
Climax
Annemarie is tasked with taking a very important basket filled with lunch goodies to Uncle Henrik. She doesn’t realize it, but the handkerchief that is packed under the lunch is covered with a special drug that the resistance scientists have formulated. It attracts the Nazis guard dogs, but when the dogs sniff the substance, it makes them lose their sense of smell, rendering them useless at finding stowaway Jews. Annemarie gets stopped by some Nazi soldiers and almost has her whole basket taken. Without that handkerchief, the Rosens and all the other stowaways on Henrik’s boat would have been discovered.
Falling Action
The Rosens and the other Jews are packed into the boat and the dogs don’t detect them because they’ve smelled the handkerchief.
Resolution
All of the Jews that Uncle Henrik sailed to Sweden are safe and sound in the neutral country. Annemarie can safely sit back and fondly think about her friend, Ellen.
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 Number the Stars.
- 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 for Middle School
Create a plot diagram for the story using Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
| 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 Plot Diagram Activity for Number the Stars
1
Engage students with a character motivation mapping activity
Enhancing understanding of characters’ motivations helps students connect deeply with the story. Number the Stars is rich with characters whose decisions drive the plot. A motivation mapping activity enables students to analyze why characters act as they do, fostering empathy and critical thinking.
2
Select key characters from Number the Stars
Pick 3–4 main characters such as Annemarie, Ellen, and Uncle Henrik. Focusing on central figures makes the activity manageable and meaningful for students in grades 2–8.
3
List important decisions or actions each character makes
Identify moments where characters make choices that influence the story’s direction. This helps students see cause and effect while reinforcing plot structure.
4
Discuss possible motivations behind each action
Guide students to brainstorm reasons behind characters’ decisions—like courage, fear, or loyalty. Encouraging discussion deepens comprehension and invites diverse perspectives.
5
Create a visual motivation map
Have students draw or digitally create a chart linking characters to their actions and motivations. Visuals make abstract thinking concrete and aid retention.
6
Share and reflect as a class
Let students present their maps and explain their reasoning. Reflection builds confidence and helps students learn from each other’s insights.
Frequently Asked Questions about Plot Diagram Activity for Number the Stars
What is a plot diagram activity for Number the Stars?
A plot diagram activity for Number the Stars helps students visually organize and understand the novel's key events. It breaks down the story into sections like Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution, making it easier for students to analyze literary structure.
How do I teach the plot structure of Number the Stars to middle school students?
To teach plot structure, guide students in creating a visual plot diagram for Number the Stars. Have them identify and illustrate major events for each plot part, then write a brief description. This approach reinforces comprehension and literary analysis skills.
What are the main events to include in a Number the Stars plot diagram?
Include the Exposition (Annemarie and Ellen's encounter with Nazi soldiers), Conflict (Nazis targeting Danish Jews), Rising Action (smuggling plans), Climax (Annemarie's delivery of the handkerchief), Falling Action (escape to Sweden), and Resolution (Jews' safety and Annemarie's reflection).
What is the best way to create a visual plot diagram for Number the Stars?
The best way is to use a storyboard tool or graphic organizer. Divide the plot into key sections, create an image for each, and write a concise summary. Tools like Storyboard That make this process interactive and engaging for students.
Why should teachers use plot diagram activities for novels like Number the Stars?
Plot diagram activities help students grasp story structure, remember major events, and improve analytical skills. For novels like Number the Stars, they make complex historical themes more accessible and support deeper comprehension.
More Storyboard That Activities
Number the Stars
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StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
