Activity Overview
An exceptional way for your students follow a story is for them to track the events from it. Not only is this a great way to teach the parts of a plot, it also reinforces major events, which helps students develop better understanding of how the events fit together to provide the overall structure of the story.
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
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write a the events of the story in each description box.
- Illustrate each event using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
Activity Overview
An exceptional way for your students follow a story is for them to track the events from it. Not only is this a great way to teach the parts of a plot, it also reinforces major events, which helps students develop better understanding of how the events fit together to provide the overall structure of the story.
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
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write a the events of the story in each description box.
- Illustrate each event using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
How Tos about The Cricket in Times Square Summary
Create a classroom anchor chart for story plot elements
Display a large anchor chart labeled with key plot elements—such as Beginning, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution—to give students a visual reference. This helps them quickly identify and organize events from the story.
Model how to summarize story events using sentence starters
Demonstrate using sentence starters like First, Then, Next, and Finally to guide students in summarizing each event. This scaffolds their writing and ensures clear sequencing.
Incorporate think-alouds when reading key scenes
Read aloud a section of the story and pause to verbalize your thinking about what event just happened and why it matters. This models comprehension strategies for students.
Assign students to create quick sketches for each event
Invite students to draw simple pictures illustrating each major event. Visualizing the plot helps reinforce memory and understanding, especially for visual learners.
Facilitate partner discussions to compare timeline choices
Pair students to share and discuss their event summaries and illustrations. Comparing their work encourages critical thinking and clarifies misunderstandings.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Cricket in Times Square Summary
What is a summary of The Cricket in Times Square?
The Cricket in Times Square tells the story of Chester, a country cricket who accidentally ends up in New York City. He befriends a boy named Mario, a cat, and a mouse, and together they experience adventures in Times Square. The story highlights friendship, adaptation, and the magic of music in unexpected places.
How can I teach the plot structure of The Cricket in Times Square to 3rd or 4th graders?
Use a timeline activity where students track and illustrate key events from the story. This helps reinforce plot parts—beginning, middle, and end—and encourages students to connect events and understand the story's overall structure.
What are some quick lesson ideas for The Cricket in Times Square?
Try a plot timeline, character mapping, or group discussions about the themes of friendship and adaptation. Short creative assignments like drawing scenes or writing diary entries from Chester's perspective also engage students easily.
Why is it important for students to track story events when reading?
Tracking story events helps students understand plot structure, remember key events, and see how events connect. This builds reading comprehension and analytical skills, making stories more meaningful.
What is the best way to help students illustrate scenes from The Cricket in Times Square?
Encourage students to visualize scenes by identifying main events, then drawing characters and settings using details from the text. Providing templates or digital tools can make illustration easier and more fun.
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Cricket in Times Square, The
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