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 Once. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Plot Diagram Example
Exposition: The story takes place in German occupied Europe during World War II and the Holocaust. Felix is a 10 year old boy in 1942 who flees the orphanage with the hope that he will find his parents. As Felix begins to realize the truth about what’s happening around him, he meets new friends and the man who will help to save his life.
Rising Action: Felix runs away from the orphanage. He meets Zelda when he rescues her after her parents have been killed and her house has been burned. The two children are rescued from a death march by a man named Barney, who hides them and other children in a basement.
Climax: When Felix returns from getting medicine for Zelda, he realizes that the Nazis have discovered their hiding place. Barney and the children are taken and forced into train cars.
Falling Action: While in the train car, Felix notices rotten wood and kicks a hole in the train. Many people jump out, risking being injured or even shot for the chance of freedom
Resolution: Felix and Zelda jump out of the train and survive.
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 Once.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- 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 short description of each of the examples in the plot diagram.
- Save and exit when you're done.
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 Once. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Plot Diagram Example
Exposition: The story takes place in German occupied Europe during World War II and the Holocaust. Felix is a 10 year old boy in 1942 who flees the orphanage with the hope that he will find his parents. As Felix begins to realize the truth about what’s happening around him, he meets new friends and the man who will help to save his life.
Rising Action: Felix runs away from the orphanage. He meets Zelda when he rescues her after her parents have been killed and her house has been burned. The two children are rescued from a death march by a man named Barney, who hides them and other children in a basement.
Climax: When Felix returns from getting medicine for Zelda, he realizes that the Nazis have discovered their hiding place. Barney and the children are taken and forced into train cars.
Falling Action: While in the train car, Felix notices rotten wood and kicks a hole in the train. Many people jump out, risking being injured or even shot for the chance of freedom
Resolution: Felix and Zelda jump out of the train and survive.
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 Once.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- 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 short description of each of the examples in the plot diagram.
- Save and exit when you're done.
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 Once
How to Guide Students in Writing Their Own Plot Summaries After Diagramming
Encourage students to use their plot diagrams as a framework for writing a concise plot summary in their own words. Explain that this helps them internalize story structure and improve writing skills.
Model summarizing each plot element together as a class
Collaborate with students to draft a brief sentence for each plot part. Demonstrate how to turn diagram notes into clear, connected summary sentences.
Prompt students to connect events using transition words
Show students how words like first, then, next, and finally make their summaries flow smoothly. This builds stronger narrative skills.
Have students draft and revise their plot summaries
Ask students to write their own summary using the diagram and modeled examples. Encourage peer review or self-checks for clarity and completeness.
Share and celebrate student summaries in class
Allow students to read their summaries aloud or display them. Highlight effective examples and praise creativity and effort to boost confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions about Plot Summary for Once
What are the main plot points of 'Once' by Morris Gleitzman?
The main plot points of 'Once' include the Exposition (Felix in German-occupied Europe during WWII), Rising Action (Felix escapes the orphanage and befriends Zelda), Climax (Nazis discover their hiding place), Falling Action (escape attempt from a train), and Resolution (Felix and Zelda survive after jumping from the train).
How can students create a plot diagram for 'Once'?
Students can create a plot diagram for 'Once' by dividing the story into key sections: Title, Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. They should illustrate and briefly describe a major event for each part using a six-cell storyboard.
What is the best way to teach the plot structure of 'Once' to middle school students?
The best way is to have students visually map out the plot using a storyboard. This approach helps them identify major events, understand literary structure, and engage with the novel's key moments through images and summaries.
Why is making a plot diagram helpful when studying 'Once'?
Creating a plot diagram helps students visualize the story’s structure, reinforces comprehension of major events, and supports deeper understanding of how the narrative unfolds in 'Once'.
What are some examples of major turning points in 'Once'?
Major turning points in 'Once' include Felix leaving the orphanage, meeting Zelda, being rescued by Barney, the discovery of their hiding place by Nazis, and Felix and Zelda’s escape from the train.
More Storyboard That Activities
Once
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
