Activity Overview
Have students create a plot diagram of the events from the Out of My Mind 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. Sometimes students will really have to think carefully about which events are major turning points in the plot.
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.
Example Out of My Mind Plot Diagram
Exposition
Melody is a very intelligent eleven year-old girl. She is wheelchair-bound because her cerebral palsy makes it difficult for her to control her muscles. Melody is also unable to speak. Her parents and Ms. V take care of her.
Conflict
Melody enters an inclusion classroom. She gets the chance to interact with "normal" kids. Not all teachers and students welcome her into the school or treat her like everyone else.
Rising Action
Melody joins theschool's quiz team. She becomes the best on the team, despite what Mr. D and other students thought at first.
Climax
The Whiz Kids plan to travel to the national competition. When Melody arrives at the airport with her mother, she finds that flights have been cancelled because of bad weather. The other team members took an earlier flight and never called her. The quiz team loses without Melody.
Falling Action
When Melody is going to school, Penny runs out because she loves riding in the car. Her mother hits Penny. Melody tried to warn her mother, but could not communicate it. Melody fears Penny will also get brain damage and end up like her.
Resolution
While Penny does get injured, she is fine. When Melody goes to school, the other students on the quiz team give Melody the plastic 9th-place trophy. Melody breaks it and leaves the inclusion classroom.
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 Out of My Mind.
- 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
Have students create a plot diagram of the events from the Out of My Mind 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. Sometimes students will really have to think carefully about which events are major turning points in the plot.
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.
Example Out of My Mind Plot Diagram
Exposition
Melody is a very intelligent eleven year-old girl. She is wheelchair-bound because her cerebral palsy makes it difficult for her to control her muscles. Melody is also unable to speak. Her parents and Ms. V take care of her.
Conflict
Melody enters an inclusion classroom. She gets the chance to interact with "normal" kids. Not all teachers and students welcome her into the school or treat her like everyone else.
Rising Action
Melody joins theschool's quiz team. She becomes the best on the team, despite what Mr. D and other students thought at first.
Climax
The Whiz Kids plan to travel to the national competition. When Melody arrives at the airport with her mother, she finds that flights have been cancelled because of bad weather. The other team members took an earlier flight and never called her. The quiz team loses without Melody.
Falling Action
When Melody is going to school, Penny runs out because she loves riding in the car. Her mother hits Penny. Melody tried to warn her mother, but could not communicate it. Melody fears Penny will also get brain damage and end up like her.
Resolution
While Penny does get injured, she is fine. When Melody goes to school, the other students on the quiz team give Melody the plastic 9th-place trophy. Melody breaks it and leaves the inclusion classroom.
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 Out of My Mind.
- 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 Out of My Mind Plot Diagram Activity
Use Character Mapping to Deepen Understanding of the Novel
Create a character map charting relationships and traits for each major character. This visual helps students connect actions to motivations and track character growth throughout the story.
List main characters and their relationships
Write each character’s name on the board or a large poster. Draw lines to show how they are connected—family, friends, classmates, or teachers.
Assign character trait research
Ask students to find and note at least two key traits or qualities for each character, using text evidence when possible. This encourages careful reading and supports deeper analysis.
Illustrate characters’ emotions and changes
Have students draw simple faces or icons that represent how each character feels at the beginning, middle, and end of the story. This makes character development visual and memorable.
Discuss how character actions drive the plot
Lead a short classroom discussion on how characters’ choices affect the plot’s turning points. This links the character map to the plot diagram for a complete understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about Out of My Mind Plot Diagram Activity
What is a plot diagram for Out of My Mind?
A plot diagram for Out of My Mind visually maps the key events of the story, including the exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. It helps students identify and understand the structure and turning points of the novel.
How can I teach students to create a plot diagram for Out of My Mind?
To teach plot diagrams, have students break the story into six parts: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Encourage them to draw or digitally create a storyboard, summarizing each section with images and short descriptions that follow the novel's sequence.
Why is making a plot diagram useful for understanding Out of My Mind?
Making a plot diagram helps students visualize the narrative arc, identify major turning points, and deepen their comprehension of the book's themes and character development. It's an effective tool for reinforcing literary structure.
What are the major events to include in an Out of My Mind plot diagram?
Major events include: Melody's background and challenges (Exposition), her inclusion in a mainstream classroom (Conflict), joining the quiz team (Rising Action), being left behind for the national competition (Climax), Penny's accident (Falling Action), and Melody's response at the end (Resolution).
Is there an easy way for middle school students to make a plot diagram for Out of My Mind?
Yes! Provide a six-cell storyboard template and guide students to fill in each part—Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution—using images and brief text. Digital tools or printable worksheets can make this process quick and engaging.
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