Activity Overview
One fun way to boil down a story is to identify the beginning, middle, and end. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that summarizes Yuriko's story in three parts: the beginning, the middle, and the end. They will summarize each part and create an illustration of a key scene from each part. This is a great alternate activity to a regular plot diagram!
The Last Cherry Blossom Summary Example
Beginning: Yuirko’s teacher reacts strangely to her family tree project and says, “that’s not right.” When her papa finds out, Yuriko’s teacher doesn’t return and Yuriko wonders why.
Middle: Yuriko discovers that Papa is actually her grandfather, and her Aunt Kimiko is actually her mother. Yuriko is hurt that this secret was kept from her, and wonders why no one told her the truth.
End: The atomic bomb is dropped on the city of Hiroshima, and Yuriko loses her family and best friend, in one way or another, as a direct result of the attack. She attends a boarding school, makes new friends, and meets up with her birth father.
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 of The Last Cherry Blossom.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Separate the story into the Beginning, Middle, and End.
- 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 short description of each of the examples in the storyboard.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plot | Each of the three cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. Sentences accurately summarize each part. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or three cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that help to tell the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Some of the images help tell the story. Descriptions do not always match the images. | Images do not make sense with the story. |
| 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
One fun way to boil down a story is to identify the beginning, middle, and end. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that summarizes Yuriko's story in three parts: the beginning, the middle, and the end. They will summarize each part and create an illustration of a key scene from each part. This is a great alternate activity to a regular plot diagram!
The Last Cherry Blossom Summary Example
Beginning: Yuirko’s teacher reacts strangely to her family tree project and says, “that’s not right.” When her papa finds out, Yuriko’s teacher doesn’t return and Yuriko wonders why.
Middle: Yuriko discovers that Papa is actually her grandfather, and her Aunt Kimiko is actually her mother. Yuriko is hurt that this secret was kept from her, and wonders why no one told her the truth.
End: The atomic bomb is dropped on the city of Hiroshima, and Yuriko loses her family and best friend, in one way or another, as a direct result of the attack. She attends a boarding school, makes new friends, and meets up with her birth father.
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 of The Last Cherry Blossom.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Separate the story into the Beginning, Middle, and End.
- 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 short description of each of the examples in the storyboard.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plot | Each of the three cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. Sentences accurately summarize each part. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or three cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that help to tell the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Some of the images help tell the story. Descriptions do not always match the images. | Images do not make sense with the story. |
| 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 Last Cherry Blossom Visual Summary
Incorporate student reflections to deepen understanding
Encourage students to write a brief reflection on how Yuriko’s experiences made them feel or what surprised them most. Personal responses help students connect emotionally and think critically about the story’s impact.
Guide students to use evidence from the text in their summaries
Ask students to include a direct quote or specific detail from the story in each section of their storyboard summary. This practice strengthens comprehension and supports their ability to cite evidence.
Model the process with a sample storyboard
Show a completed example of a storyboard for one part of the story before students begin. Demonstrating expectations helps clarify the task and gives students a visual reference for their own work.
Facilitate peer sharing and feedback
Pair students to share their storyboards and offer one positive comment and one suggestion. Peer feedback fosters collaboration and helps students refine their ideas before turning in their work.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Last Cherry Blossom Visual Summary
What is a visual summary activity for The Last Cherry Blossom?
A visual summary activity for The Last Cherry Blossom guides students to break the story into key sections—beginning, middle, and end—then create a storyboard with short summaries and illustrations for each part. This helps students understand and retell the plot using both words and images.
How do you create a beginning, middle, and end storyboard for The Last Cherry Blossom?
To create a storyboard, separate the story into its beginning, middle, and end. For each section, summarize the main events and draw an illustration showing a key scene. Combine your summaries and images in a three-part plot diagram for a clear visual summary.
Why use a storyboard instead of a traditional plot diagram for this novel?
A storyboard allows students to visualize important scenes and connect emotionally with the story. It can be more engaging than a traditional plot diagram and helps students who learn better through images or creative expression.
What are the main events in The Last Cherry Blossom’s plot?
The main events include Yuriko's confusion about her family, discovering her true parentage, and coping with loss after the Hiroshima bombing. Each phase marks a key turning point in the beginning, middle, or end of the novel.
What grade level is appropriate for a The Last Cherry Blossom visual summary assignment?
The visual summary assignment is best suited for grades 6–8, aligning with middle school students’ reading and comprehension skills as well as their ability to analyze and illustrate story events.
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