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 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.
In this example, the story is shortened to end BEFORE Romulus commits fratricide. Depending on your focus, you may want to consider expanding the story to include the events that led up to the Sabine War.
"Romulus and Remus" Plot Diagram Example
Exposition
Amulius overthrows his brother Numitor and becomes king of Alba Longa. Numitor’s daughter, Rhea Silvia, bears twin sons from Mars, god of war. These male heirs threaten the position of her uncle.
Conflict
Amulius wants the two boys killed. A servant sets the two boys in a basket and lets it float on the Tiber River. Their basket is saved and runs aground.
Rising Action
A she-wolf finds the crying babies and feeds them with her own milk. A woodpecker brings them food to eat. A shepherd soon discovers them and brings the two infants home to his wife. They raise them as simple shepherds, naming them Romulus and Remus.
Climax
Remus is imprisoned after an argument with the king's shepherds. Romulus gathers others to help rescue his brother. Amulius is killed and the brothers discover their true identities.
Falling Action
Their supporters wish to crown them as joint kings, but Romulus and Remus reinstate their grandfather, Numitor, as king of Alba Longa.
Resolution
The two brothers decide to found a new city along the Tiber River, near where the she-wolf found them. This city would later become the great city of Rome.
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 the Romulus and Remus myth.
- 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 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.
In this example, the story is shortened to end BEFORE Romulus commits fratricide. Depending on your focus, you may want to consider expanding the story to include the events that led up to the Sabine War.
"Romulus and Remus" Plot Diagram Example
Exposition
Amulius overthrows his brother Numitor and becomes king of Alba Longa. Numitor’s daughter, Rhea Silvia, bears twin sons from Mars, god of war. These male heirs threaten the position of her uncle.
Conflict
Amulius wants the two boys killed. A servant sets the two boys in a basket and lets it float on the Tiber River. Their basket is saved and runs aground.
Rising Action
A she-wolf finds the crying babies and feeds them with her own milk. A woodpecker brings them food to eat. A shepherd soon discovers them and brings the two infants home to his wife. They raise them as simple shepherds, naming them Romulus and Remus.
Climax
Remus is imprisoned after an argument with the king's shepherds. Romulus gathers others to help rescue his brother. Amulius is killed and the brothers discover their true identities.
Falling Action
Their supporters wish to crown them as joint kings, but Romulus and Remus reinstate their grandfather, Numitor, as king of Alba Longa.
Resolution
The two brothers decide to found a new city along the Tiber River, near where the she-wolf found them. This city would later become the great city of Rome.
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 the Romulus and Remus myth.
- 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 Romulus and Remus Plot Diagram
How to Differentiate Plot Diagram Activities for Diverse Learners
Differentiate plot diagram activities by using multiple formats such as written, visual, or audio responses. This allows students with different strengths to show understanding in ways that work best for them.
Offer sentence starters or graphic organizers
Support students who need help organizing their thoughts by providing sentence starters or graphic organizers. These tools make it easier for students to break down each part of the plot.
Assign plot diagram partners or small groups
Encourage collaboration by pairing students or forming small groups for the activity. Working together helps students share ideas and clarify plot events more easily.
Allow students to choose stories at their reading level
Empower learners by letting them pick a story that matches their reading skills. Choice increases motivation and ensures the activity is accessible to all.
Provide visual aids and vocabulary support
Include visuals, anchor charts, and a plot vocabulary list to help students understand story structure concepts. Visuals make abstract ideas concrete and easier to grasp.
Frequently Asked Questions about Romulus and Remus Plot Diagram
What is a plot diagram for the Romulus and Remus myth?
A plot diagram for the Romulus and Remus myth visually breaks down the story into key parts: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. It helps students understand the main events and structure of the myth.
How do you create a plot diagram for Romulus and Remus in the classroom?
To create a Romulus and Remus plot diagram, divide the story into six parts: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Have students illustrate each section and write a brief description to capture the main events of the myth.
Why is using a storyboard helpful for teaching the Romulus and Remus myth?
Using a storyboard helps students visualize key events, strengthens comprehension of plot structure, and makes it easier to identify major turning points in the Romulus and Remus myth.
What are the six parts of a plot diagram, and how do they apply to Romulus and Remus?
The six parts are Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. In Romulus and Remus, each part corresponds to a stage in the twins’ journey from birth to founding Rome.
What is the best way to help students identify major turning points in the Romulus and Remus story?
The best way is to guide students through a plot diagram activity, encouraging them to discuss and select which events are most critical to the narrative's progression and why those moments matter.
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Romulus and Remus
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