Activity Overview
Like The Jungle Book, The Graveyard Book uses an episodic structure, jumping from year to year and depicting Bod’s various experiences growing up. Some of the episodes are merely entertaining, while others contribute to important themes, character growth, or conflict resolution. Have students use storyboards to identify important episodes in Bod’s life. Below each episode, ask them to explain its significance. Simplify or expand this activity by using anywhere from 1-5 storyboard cells.
Important Episodes in The Graveyard Book
Befriending Scarlett
Scarlett is the first living friend that Bod makes. Their friendship begins when they are five and is redeveloped when they are young teens. Scarlett's friendship is significant because it drives Bod toward maturity. Through Scarlett, he discovers the secret of his past. Her safety also motivates him to successfully fight the Jacks of all Trade. Finally, the experience of her friendship leads him to desire life outside the graveyard.
Captured by Ghouls
Being captured by ghouls teaches Bod an important lesson. Suddenly, Bod comes to respect Mrs. Lupescu and the training she gave him. His narrow escape from the ghouls teaches him to trust the adults who guide and protect him. It also opens his eyes to the dangers that surround him.
Fighting Mo and Nick
Fighting Mo and Nick reveals Bod's kind heart and sense of justice. He sets out to haunt them in order to put an end to their bullying. At the same time, his interactions with them convince him that he cannot truly enjoy life in the real world as long as he is still a marked man. By interacting with them, he finally gets noticed by the outside world, jeopardizing his safety.
Meeting Liza
Bod's early interactions with Liza reflect his goodness and his willingness to think for himself. Although he is told not to venture into Liza's disreputable section of the graveyard, Bod judges that Liza is no threat. Instead, he goes out of his way to get her a gravestone and bring some happiness to her melancholy existence.
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".
- Identify the important episodes of Bod's life, and write them in the headings.
- Explain each in the descriptions.
- Add an illustration for each, using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and dialogue.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Like The Jungle Book, The Graveyard Book uses an episodic structure, jumping from year to year and depicting Bod’s various experiences growing up. Some of the episodes are merely entertaining, while others contribute to important themes, character growth, or conflict resolution. Have students use storyboards to identify important episodes in Bod’s life. Below each episode, ask them to explain its significance. Simplify or expand this activity by using anywhere from 1-5 storyboard cells.
Important Episodes in The Graveyard Book
Befriending Scarlett
Scarlett is the first living friend that Bod makes. Their friendship begins when they are five and is redeveloped when they are young teens. Scarlett's friendship is significant because it drives Bod toward maturity. Through Scarlett, he discovers the secret of his past. Her safety also motivates him to successfully fight the Jacks of all Trade. Finally, the experience of her friendship leads him to desire life outside the graveyard.
Captured by Ghouls
Being captured by ghouls teaches Bod an important lesson. Suddenly, Bod comes to respect Mrs. Lupescu and the training she gave him. His narrow escape from the ghouls teaches him to trust the adults who guide and protect him. It also opens his eyes to the dangers that surround him.
Fighting Mo and Nick
Fighting Mo and Nick reveals Bod's kind heart and sense of justice. He sets out to haunt them in order to put an end to their bullying. At the same time, his interactions with them convince him that he cannot truly enjoy life in the real world as long as he is still a marked man. By interacting with them, he finally gets noticed by the outside world, jeopardizing his safety.
Meeting Liza
Bod's early interactions with Liza reflect his goodness and his willingness to think for himself. Although he is told not to venture into Liza's disreputable section of the graveyard, Bod judges that Liza is no threat. Instead, he goes out of his way to get her a gravestone and bring some happiness to her melancholy existence.
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".
- Identify the important episodes of Bod's life, and write them in the headings.
- Explain each in the descriptions.
- Add an illustration for each, using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and dialogue.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Examining Episodic Structure in The Graveyard Book
How to facilitate a class discussion connecting episodic events to major themes
Guide students to identify how each episode in the story relates to the book’s key themes, such as identity or growing up, by prompting them with open-ended questions after each storyboard activity. This helps students make text-to-theme connections and deepens their comprehension.
Encourage students to use evidence from the text
Prompt students to find and cite specific passages from the novel that support their explanations for each episode’s significance. This practice reinforces close reading skills and strengthens their arguments.
Use peer feedback to enhance student storyboards
Have students present their storyboards in small groups and offer constructive feedback to one another. This collaborative approach encourages critical thinking and helps students refine their understanding of the story’s structure.
Integrate creative extensions for deeper engagement
Invite students to create an additional episode for Bod, imagining how it would fit into the book’s episodic structure. This activity sparks creativity while reinforcing comprehension of character development and narrative form.
Frequently Asked Questions about Examining Episodic Structure in The Graveyard Book
What is episodic structure in The Graveyard Book?
Episodic structure in The Graveyard Book means the story is told through a series of separate but connected episodes, each focusing on a different event or period in Bod’s life. This approach highlights his growth, key relationships, and important themes as he matures.
How can I teach important episodes from The Graveyard Book to middle school students?
Use storyboards to help students identify and illustrate important episodes from Bod’s life. Have them write brief descriptions explaining each episode’s significance, and adjust the activity’s complexity by using 1–5 storyboard cells per student or group.
What are some key episodes in The Graveyard Book that show Bod’s character development?
Key episodes include Befriending Scarlett, being captured by ghouls, fighting Mo and Nick, and meeting Liza. Each moment reveals how Bod grows, makes choices, and learns important life lessons.
Why is Scarlett’s friendship important in The Graveyard Book?
Scarlett’s friendship helps Bod mature and discover his past. She motivates him to confront dangers and ultimately inspires his desire to live beyond the graveyard, marking a turning point in his personal growth.
What’s an easy lesson plan for teaching The Graveyard Book’s episodic structure?
Have students pick 1–5 major episodes and create a storyboard for each, including headings, brief summaries, and illustrations. This activity helps them understand narrative structure and character development in a simple, visual way.
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