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 book in sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Example Stuart Little Plot Diagram
Exposition
Stuart is a mouse born to a caring human family. Even though he is very different from the rest of his family, he uses his size to his advantage. He helps find his mother’s mother’s ring down a drain.
Conflict
Snowbell, the cat, causes trouble for Stuart. When Stuart gets stuck in a window shade, he places Stuart's hat and cane at a mouse hole. The Littles were very upset to find that Stuart had left. Luckily, George found Stuart before too long.
Rising Action
The Little family adopt a wounded bird named, Margalo. A true friendship is formed between Stuart and Margalo.
Climax
Snowbell's friend Angora threatens the life of Margalo and she flees without telling Stuart. Stuart is very distraught at her departure.
Falling Action
Stuart sets off on a quest in a toy car to find Margalo. He stops in a town called Ames Crossing and meets a girl his own size, Harriet Ames. He invites her on a date, but his plans are ruined and he is inconsolable.
Resolution
He has not yet found his friend Margalo, but he feels confident that he can. Stuart drives north, knowing he is going in the right direction.
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 Stuart Little.
- 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Creative Elements | Creativity and imagery are used effectively (helps to tell the story). At least three Textables are included in plot diagram. | Creative elements (clipart) are somewhat distracting. At least two Textables throughout their plot diagram. | Creativity is minimally apparent, and the overall design shows a lack of effort. Clipart may be confusing and distract from the story. Student used one or fewer Textables. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling within the Textables is mostly correct (fewer than eight errors). Grammar does not hinder understanding. | Spelling within textables is somewhat correct (fewer than 10 errors). Grammar may hinder some understanding or make reading difficult. | Spelling is mostly incorrect (10 or more errors). Grammar severely hinders understanding. |
| Plot Elements | There are three complete slides: one for beginning, one for the middle, and one for the end. Slides explain the work of prose and are easy to follow. | There are three cells, but one or two do not depict the correct element within the work of prose (e.g. the beginning is misplaced). Story is somewhat difficult to follow. | One or more cells is missing. Only one part of the plot is represented (e.g. only the beginning). Story is hard to follow. |
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 book in sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Example Stuart Little Plot Diagram
Exposition
Stuart is a mouse born to a caring human family. Even though he is very different from the rest of his family, he uses his size to his advantage. He helps find his mother’s mother’s ring down a drain.
Conflict
Snowbell, the cat, causes trouble for Stuart. When Stuart gets stuck in a window shade, he places Stuart's hat and cane at a mouse hole. The Littles were very upset to find that Stuart had left. Luckily, George found Stuart before too long.
Rising Action
The Little family adopt a wounded bird named, Margalo. A true friendship is formed between Stuart and Margalo.
Climax
Snowbell's friend Angora threatens the life of Margalo and she flees without telling Stuart. Stuart is very distraught at her departure.
Falling Action
Stuart sets off on a quest in a toy car to find Margalo. He stops in a town called Ames Crossing and meets a girl his own size, Harriet Ames. He invites her on a date, but his plans are ruined and he is inconsolable.
Resolution
He has not yet found his friend Margalo, but he feels confident that he can. Stuart drives north, knowing he is going in the right direction.
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 Stuart Little.
- 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Creative Elements | Creativity and imagery are used effectively (helps to tell the story). At least three Textables are included in plot diagram. | Creative elements (clipart) are somewhat distracting. At least two Textables throughout their plot diagram. | Creativity is minimally apparent, and the overall design shows a lack of effort. Clipart may be confusing and distract from the story. Student used one or fewer Textables. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling within the Textables is mostly correct (fewer than eight errors). Grammar does not hinder understanding. | Spelling within textables is somewhat correct (fewer than 10 errors). Grammar may hinder some understanding or make reading difficult. | Spelling is mostly incorrect (10 or more errors). Grammar severely hinders understanding. |
| Plot Elements | There are three complete slides: one for beginning, one for the middle, and one for the end. Slides explain the work of prose and are easy to follow. | There are three cells, but one or two do not depict the correct element within the work of prose (e.g. the beginning is misplaced). Story is somewhat difficult to follow. | One or more cells is missing. Only one part of the plot is represented (e.g. only the beginning). Story is hard to follow. |
How Tos about Plot Diagram for Stuart Little
Organize a collaborative plot diagram activity for your class
Engage your students by working together to build a plot diagram. Collaboration helps students share ideas and deepen understanding of story structure.
Assign each plot element to small groups
Divide your class into small groups and assign each group a different plot element (Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, or Resolution). This gives every student a clear focus and encourages teamwork.
Guide groups to reread relevant story sections
Ask each group to reread the part of the book that relates to their assigned element. Close reading ensures accuracy and helps students gather key details for their section.
Have groups create storyboard scenes and descriptions
Invite each group to draw or digitally create a scene for their plot element and write a brief description. Visuals and summaries make ideas clear for everyone.
Combine group work into a class plot diagram
Bring the class together to assemble each group's scene and description into one large plot diagram. Review and discuss the full story arc as a class to reinforce understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about Plot Diagram for Stuart Little
What is a plot diagram and how can it help students understand Stuart Little?
A plot diagram is a visual tool that breaks down a story into key parts: exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Using a plot diagram for Stuart Little helps students grasp the main events and understand how the narrative develops from beginning to end.
How do I create a plot diagram for Stuart Little with my class?
To create a plot diagram for Stuart Little, have students divide the story into six sections: exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. For each section, students can draw or describe a scene from the book that matches that part of the narrative.
What are the main events in Stuart Little for each part of the plot diagram?
The main events are: Exposition – Stuart is born to a human family; Conflict – Snowbell the cat causes trouble; Rising Action – Stuart befriends Margalo; Climax – Margalo flees after a threat; Falling Action – Stuart searches for Margalo; Resolution – Stuart feels hopeful as he continues his journey.
Why is using visual storyboards effective for teaching plot to elementary students?
Visual storyboards help elementary students by making abstract concepts concrete. They allow students to organize events, see the story’s structure, and better remember key details, supporting both comprehension and engagement.
What are some tips for helping 3rd or 4th graders identify the climax in Stuart Little?
Encourage students to look for the most exciting or turning point in the story. In Stuart Little, the climax is when Margalo flees, which deeply affects Stuart. Ask students to consider which event changes the direction of the story most dramatically.
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Stuart Little
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