Activity Overview
A common use for Storyboard That is to help students create a plot diagram of the events from a novel. 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 story in sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Creating a storyboard for summarizing The Boy in the Striped Pajamas will challenge students to decide what is essential. Similar to a "Five Finger Retell", students need to think critically about the events in order. This activity will also give students the opportunity to explore characters in more depth.
Consider having students plan their storyboard with a blank template prior to creating the full storyboard online. Students should begin with the retold narrative in each box before adding character dialogue. This will allow them to focus on the purpose of retelling without getting distracted by the details of the storyboard.
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 Boy in the Striped Pajamas.
- 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 novel. 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 story in sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Creating a storyboard for summarizing The Boy in the Striped Pajamas will challenge students to decide what is essential. Similar to a "Five Finger Retell", students need to think critically about the events in order. This activity will also give students the opportunity to explore characters in more depth.
Consider having students plan their storyboard with a blank template prior to creating the full storyboard online. Students should begin with the retold narrative in each box before adding character dialogue. This will allow them to focus on the purpose of retelling without getting distracted by the details of the storyboard.
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 Boy in the Striped Pajamas.
- 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 The Boy in the Striped Pajamas Plot Diagram
Organize a classroom discussion using your students’ plot diagrams
Invite students to share their completed plot diagrams with the class. Encourage them to explain their choices for each story element. This boosts critical thinking and helps students see different perspectives on the text.
Facilitate peer feedback sessions to refine storyboards
Pair students or form small groups and have them exchange plot diagrams. Guide them to give specific, positive feedback and ask thoughtful questions about each other's work, fostering collaboration and deeper understanding.
Incorporate supporting evidence from the text into each storyboard cell
Ask students to find a quote or detail from the book for each plot point they illustrated. This practice strengthens textual analysis skills and ensures accuracy in their visual summaries.
Differentiate storyboard assignments for varied learning needs
Offer options such as simplified templates, audio narration, or group work for students who need extra support. Encourage advanced students to add more details or alternative perspectives to their diagrams for enrichment.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Boy in the Striped Pajamas Plot Diagram
What is a plot diagram for The Boy in the Striped Pajamas?
A plot diagram for The Boy in the Striped Pajamas visually outlines the main events of the novel, organized into six key parts: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. This helps students understand the story’s structure and major turning points.
How can I create a storyboard plot diagram for The Boy in the Striped Pajamas?
To create a storyboard plot diagram, break the story into the six plot elements, then draw or select images representing important moments for each. Add a brief description below each image to summarize what happens at that stage in the novel.
What should students include in each part of a plot diagram for this novel?
Students should include the Exposition (background and setting), Conflict (main problem), Rising Action (events leading to the climax), Climax (turning point), Falling Action (events after the climax), and Resolution (how the story ends) with key scenes and concise descriptions.
Why is using a storyboard effective for teaching The Boy in the Striped Pajamas?
Using a storyboard engages students visually and helps them organize the story’s sequence, reinforces comprehension of major events, and supports deeper analysis of characters and themes in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.
Can a plot diagram activity be adapted for group or partner work?
Yes, a plot diagram activity can be completed individually, with a partner, or in groups. Collaborative work encourages discussion, critical thinking, and multiple perspectives when analyzing the novel’s events.
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