Activity Overview
Refugee weaves together three poignant and gripping stories. In this activity, students can capture the narrative arc of novel in a storyboard. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the story in sequence using: Title, Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Because there are three stories, teachers may choose for students to do a plot diagram for all three stories or for just one, like the example in this activity.
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 one of the stories in Refugee, either Josef's, Isabel's, or Mahmoud's.
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.
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
Refugee weaves together three poignant and gripping stories. In this activity, students can capture the narrative arc of novel in a storyboard. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the story in sequence using: Title, Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Because there are three stories, teachers may choose for students to do a plot diagram for all three stories or for just one, like the example in this activity.
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 one of the stories in Refugee, either Josef's, Isabel's, or Mahmoud's.
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.
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 Refugee Visual Summary
How to Facilitate Meaningful Class Discussions After Plot Diagramming
Guide students in connecting their plot diagrams to deeper themes and character motivations by organizing a focused class discussion. Encourage thoughtful sharing and active listening to help students build empathy and understanding about each character's journey.
Prepare targeted discussion questions about each character's choices
Create open-ended questions that prompt students to consider why characters made certain decisions. This helps students think critically about motivation and consequences in the story.
Set clear expectations for respectful conversation
Establish ground rules to ensure every student feels safe to contribute. Model active listening and reinforce that all perspectives are valued.
Invite students to share and compare their plot diagrams
Encourage students to display their work and explain their choices. Highlight differences and similarities to foster a richer understanding of story structure and interpretation.
Connect plot events to real-world refugee experiences
Lead a discussion about parallels between the novel's events and current or historical refugee stories. This builds empathy and makes learning more relevant and meaningful for students.
Frequently Asked Questions about Refugee Visual Summary
What is a visual plot diagram activity for the novel Refugee?
A visual plot diagram activity for the novel Refugee asks students to break down one of the book's three stories into key plot elements: Title, Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Students illustrate each part and write short descriptions to show their understanding of the narrative arc.
How can teachers use storyboards to teach Refugee by Alan Gratz?
Teachers can have students create storyboards for each main character's story in Refugee. This visual approach helps students organize events, understand character development, and connect themes by illustrating key moments from the novel.
What are the steps to make a plot diagram for a character in Refugee?
To make a plot diagram for a character in Refugee, students should: 1) Identify the Title, 2) Describe the Exposition, 3) Illustrate the Rising Action, 4) Highlight the Climax, 5) Show the Falling Action, and 6) Summarize the Resolution, using both images and brief descriptions.
Why is it useful to create visual summaries for novels like Refugee?
Creating visual summaries helps students better understand complex narratives, track multiple storylines, and remember key plot points. Visuals can make abstract concepts more concrete and support diverse learning styles in the classroom.
What grade levels is the Refugee plot diagram activity best for?
The Refugee plot diagram activity is designed for grades 6–8. It's suitable for middle school students who are developing skills in reading comprehension, literary analysis, and creative expression.
More Storyboard That Activities
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