Activity Overview
Creating a plot diagram not only helps students learn the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and helps students develop a greater understanding of literary structures, such as five act structure. 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. In this activity, students will create a visual plot diagram of major events in The Breadwinner. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
The Breadwinner Plot Diagram Example
Exposition & Conflict: Parvana is still young enough to go outside and help her father but her mother and 16-year-old sister Nooria, younger sister Maryam, and baby brother Ali haven't left their one room apartment since the Taliban took over. Parvana's university educated father is brutally arrested by the Taliban one night without cause. The family is left desperate and alone.
Rising Action: To help the family survive, Parvana cuts her hair to pass for a boy and bravely sells things and reads for people at the market as her father did. She meets Shauzia, who is also disguised as a boy to work. They do what they can to survive and make money. They even do the traumatizing but lucrative work of digging up human bones to sell to a bone collector.
Climax: Shauzia and Parvana witness the Taliban severing the limbs of prisoners. Parvana's mother believes it is time to flee Kabul and arranges for Nooria to get married in Mazar-e-Sharif, which is not yet under Taliban control. Parvana refuses to go, fearing her father will not be able to find them if he gets out of prison. She stays with kind and determined Mrs. Weera. Parvana meets Homa, whose entire family was killed by the Taliban as they took over Mazar e-Sharif. Parvana fears for her family.
Falling Action: Parvana's father returns home badly malnourished and beaten, but alive. Parvana and Mrs. Weera nurse him back to health and Parvana and her father plan to flee Kabul and find their missing family. They believe the family could be in refugee camps outside of Mazar-e-Sharif. At the same time, Mrs. Weera and Homa plan to travel to Pakistan. Shauzia embarks on her dream of getting to France by befriending some nomads who allow her to leave Kabul with them.
Resolution: Parvana plants flowers where she used to sell her wares in the market, symbolizing hope for Afghanistan. As Parvana and her father set off to find their family, Shauzia and Parvana make a pact that in 20 years, they will meet once again at the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Parvana leaves Kabul with her father and as she looks upon the mountain rising above the city that they nicknamed "Mount Parvana", she wonders what awaits them in the future.
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 The Breadwinner.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- 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
Creating a plot diagram not only helps students learn the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and helps students develop a greater understanding of literary structures, such as five act structure. 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. In this activity, students will create a visual plot diagram of major events in The Breadwinner. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
The Breadwinner Plot Diagram Example
Exposition & Conflict: Parvana is still young enough to go outside and help her father but her mother and 16-year-old sister Nooria, younger sister Maryam, and baby brother Ali haven't left their one room apartment since the Taliban took over. Parvana's university educated father is brutally arrested by the Taliban one night without cause. The family is left desperate and alone.
Rising Action: To help the family survive, Parvana cuts her hair to pass for a boy and bravely sells things and reads for people at the market as her father did. She meets Shauzia, who is also disguised as a boy to work. They do what they can to survive and make money. They even do the traumatizing but lucrative work of digging up human bones to sell to a bone collector.
Climax: Shauzia and Parvana witness the Taliban severing the limbs of prisoners. Parvana's mother believes it is time to flee Kabul and arranges for Nooria to get married in Mazar-e-Sharif, which is not yet under Taliban control. Parvana refuses to go, fearing her father will not be able to find them if he gets out of prison. She stays with kind and determined Mrs. Weera. Parvana meets Homa, whose entire family was killed by the Taliban as they took over Mazar e-Sharif. Parvana fears for her family.
Falling Action: Parvana's father returns home badly malnourished and beaten, but alive. Parvana and Mrs. Weera nurse him back to health and Parvana and her father plan to flee Kabul and find their missing family. They believe the family could be in refugee camps outside of Mazar-e-Sharif. At the same time, Mrs. Weera and Homa plan to travel to Pakistan. Shauzia embarks on her dream of getting to France by befriending some nomads who allow her to leave Kabul with them.
Resolution: Parvana plants flowers where she used to sell her wares in the market, symbolizing hope for Afghanistan. As Parvana and her father set off to find their family, Shauzia and Parvana make a pact that in 20 years, they will meet once again at the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Parvana leaves Kabul with her father and as she looks upon the mountain rising above the city that they nicknamed "Mount Parvana", she wonders what awaits them in the future.
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 The Breadwinner.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- 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 The Breadwinner Plot Diagram
How to facilitate a classroom discussion after creating a plot diagram
Guide students to share their diagrams and explain their choices. This encourages critical thinking and helps students see how others interpret key events and structure within the story.
Prompt students to connect plot events to character development
Ask students to identify how major plot events change the main characters. This helps them recognize the relationship between plot and character growth through specific examples.
Encourage students to make personal or real-world connections
Invite students to relate the story's conflicts or themes to their own lives or current events. This deepens understanding and makes the reading more relevant and meaningful.
Assign a creative extension activity
Challenge students to write an alternate ending or a missing scene based on their plot diagram. This fosters imagination and reinforces their grasp of narrative structure.
Provide feedback and celebrate student work
Offer specific praise and constructive suggestions for each student's diagram and participation. Highlighting growth and creativity builds confidence and encourages further engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Breadwinner Plot Diagram
What is a plot diagram for The Breadwinner?
A plot diagram for The Breadwinner is a visual tool that outlines the main events and narrative arc of the novel. It breaks the story into key components: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution, helping students understand the structure and major turning points.
How do you create a plot diagram for The Breadwinner in the classroom?
To create a plot diagram for The Breadwinner in class, have students separate the story into the six main parts and visually represent each section using drawings or digital storyboards. Encourage them to highlight key events and write brief descriptions for each plot stage.
What are the major turning points in The Breadwinner's plot?
The major turning points in The Breadwinner include: Parvana's father getting arrested (Conflict), Parvana disguising herself as a boy (Rising Action), witnessing violence and deciding whether to flee Kabul (Climax), her father's return (Falling Action), and Parvana planting flowers as a symbol of hope (Resolution).
Why is teaching plot structure important for middle school students?
Teaching plot structure helps middle school students understand how stories are built, improves reading comprehension, and supports their ability to analyze and write narratives by recognizing patterns like exposition, climax, and resolution.
What are some quick tips for making an effective plot diagram for The Breadwinner?
Quick tips include: focus on the most important events, use clear visuals or icons, write short descriptions for each plot part, and encourage creativity so students can connect emotionally with the story.
More Storyboard That Activities
Breadwinner, The
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