Activity Overview
A common use for Storyboard That is to help students create a plot diagram of the events from a story. 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.
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 short story in sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Example "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" Plot Diagram
Exposition
Rikki-tikki, a mongoose, is swept from his burrow by a flood and is rescued by Teddy. Teddy’s father, the Englishman, says mongooses are not only safe to have in a house, but excellent protectors against the deadly snakes in the area. The family adopts Rikki-tikki.
Conflict
There are two deadly cobras, Nag and Nagaina, who threaten the safety of the garden. Rikki-tikki decides he will kill the cobras, but first, he kills another deadly snake. It is his first kill, and the Englishman and his wife are impressed. He is hailed a hero. This only makes Rikki-tikki want to kill Nag and Nagaina more. He feels responsible for the safety of the family and the garden animals.
Rising Action
Nag decides to sneak into the house to kill the humans. He falls asleep in the bathroom while he waits for the humans to wake up. Rikki-tikki realizes he is there and attacks. The mongoose wins a terrible battle against the cobra. In the morning, the Englishman again hails Rikki-tikki a hero, chops Nag in half, and throws the snake on the trash pile.
Climax
Nagaina, thinking the man killed her husband, tries to kill the human family. Darzee’s wife fakes a broken wing, making a racket to distract Nagaina, who has cornered the entire family on the porch. Nagaina, unable to resist an easy kill, begins to chase the bird. With the snake occupied, the family escapes, and Rikki-tikki kills the unhatched cobras. He smashes all but one of the eggs, but realizes that Nagaina is preparing to bite Teddy.
Falling Action
Rikki-tikki brings the last egg and taunting Nagaina. She begs for her baby back. Rikki-tikki knows that if he does not kill Nagaina, neither the family, nor the garden animals will ever be safe. He attacks and chases her into her underground den. Darzee sings a sad song, for nothing can beat a cobra in its own den. But Rikki-tikki emerges victorious, announcing that he has killed Nagaina.
Resolution
The family and animals rejoice. Rikki-tikki eats a huge celebration meal with the family, and settles down as the proud protector of his human family and garden-animal friends.
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 "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi".
- 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
A common use for Storyboard That is to help students create a plot diagram of the events from a story. 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.
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 short story in sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Example "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" Plot Diagram
Exposition
Rikki-tikki, a mongoose, is swept from his burrow by a flood and is rescued by Teddy. Teddy’s father, the Englishman, says mongooses are not only safe to have in a house, but excellent protectors against the deadly snakes in the area. The family adopts Rikki-tikki.
Conflict
There are two deadly cobras, Nag and Nagaina, who threaten the safety of the garden. Rikki-tikki decides he will kill the cobras, but first, he kills another deadly snake. It is his first kill, and the Englishman and his wife are impressed. He is hailed a hero. This only makes Rikki-tikki want to kill Nag and Nagaina more. He feels responsible for the safety of the family and the garden animals.
Rising Action
Nag decides to sneak into the house to kill the humans. He falls asleep in the bathroom while he waits for the humans to wake up. Rikki-tikki realizes he is there and attacks. The mongoose wins a terrible battle against the cobra. In the morning, the Englishman again hails Rikki-tikki a hero, chops Nag in half, and throws the snake on the trash pile.
Climax
Nagaina, thinking the man killed her husband, tries to kill the human family. Darzee’s wife fakes a broken wing, making a racket to distract Nagaina, who has cornered the entire family on the porch. Nagaina, unable to resist an easy kill, begins to chase the bird. With the snake occupied, the family escapes, and Rikki-tikki kills the unhatched cobras. He smashes all but one of the eggs, but realizes that Nagaina is preparing to bite Teddy.
Falling Action
Rikki-tikki brings the last egg and taunting Nagaina. She begs for her baby back. Rikki-tikki knows that if he does not kill Nagaina, neither the family, nor the garden animals will ever be safe. He attacks and chases her into her underground den. Darzee sings a sad song, for nothing can beat a cobra in its own den. But Rikki-tikki emerges victorious, announcing that he has killed Nagaina.
Resolution
The family and animals rejoice. Rikki-tikki eats a huge celebration meal with the family, and settles down as the proud protector of his human family and garden-animal friends.
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 "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi".
- 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 Rikki-Tikki-Tavi Summary
How to facilitate a classroom discussion on story themes using Rikki-Tikki-Tavi
Engage students by asking them to identify key themes in Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, such as bravery, loyalty, and family. Guide the conversation with open-ended questions like, "What makes Rikki-tikki brave?" or "How does loyalty shape the story?" Encourage every student to participate and support their ideas with examples from the plot diagram. This helps build critical thinking and connects literary elements to students' own experiences.
Assign theme-based group roles
Divide students into small groups, giving each group a theme (e.g., courage, friendship, good vs. evil). Have each group find scenes or actions from the story that illustrate their assigned theme. Encourage creativity—groups can act out scenes, create posters, or write short summaries. This fosters teamwork and deeper understanding.
Use evidence from the text to support theme ideas
Prompt students to find direct quotes or events from Rikki-Tikki-Tavi that support their interpretations of the story's themes. Model how to cite the text and explain why specific moments demonstrate a theme. This step reinforces close reading and supports analytical writing skills.
Encourage students to connect themes to real life
Ask students to share personal experiences or news stories that relate to the story themes. Lead a discussion about how bravery or loyalty can appear in everyday situations. This makes literature more relevant and engages students emotionally.
Wrap up with a reflective writing prompt
Have students write a short paragraph about what they learned from the discussion and how the themes of Rikki-Tikki-Tavi might influence their own choices. Encourage honesty and self-reflection to help students internalize the lesson and build writing confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rikki-Tikki-Tavi Summary
What is a plot diagram for "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi"?
A plot diagram for "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" visually maps out the key events of the story, including the Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. This helps students understand the story's structure and main events.
How can students create a storyboard for "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi"?
Students can create a storyboard by dividing the story into six main parts—Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution—and illustrating or describing a key scene for each. Using online tools like Storyboard That makes this process quick and engaging.
What are the major events in the "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" plot?
Major events include Rikki-tikki being rescued by Teddy's family, the threat from cobras Nag and Nagaina, Rikki-tikki's battles with the snakes, and his ultimate victory, which ensures the family's safety.
Why is teaching plot diagrams important for middle school students?
Teaching plot diagrams helps middle school students recognize story structure, improves comprehension, and builds critical thinking by having them identify and sequence key story events.
What tips help make a successful plot diagram assignment for "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi"?
For a successful assignment, guide students to focus on major plot points, use visuals or short descriptions, and encourage creativity. Providing clear instructions and examples improves understanding and engagement.
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