Activity Overview
A common use for Storyboard That is to help students create a plot diagram of the events from a story. Not only is this a great way to teach the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and helps students develop greater understanding of literary structures, like 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. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the story in sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" Plot Diagram Example
Exposition
Ichabod Crane is the schoolmaster in Sleepy Hollow, a town beset by supernatural occurrences. A local favorite is the tale of the Headless Horseman, the ghost of a Hessian mercenary who lost his head.
Conflict
Ichabod and rival Brom Bones want to marry Katrina van Tassel, the flirtatious daughter of a wealthy landowner. After receiving the brushoff from Katrina, despite previous encouragement, Ichabod leaves a social gathering in an agitated state.
Rising Action
Ichabod goes home during the witching hour. After hearing many ghost stories at the party, again and again he imagines a ghost or goblin in almost everything he sees. Finally he sees an enormous hulk - the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow.
Climax
The Headless Horseman matches Crane's pace, and finally chases him. Ichabod tries to spur on Gunpowder, a borrowed horse, to reach the bridge quickly.
Falling Action
Ichabod makes it to the bridge and turns to see if his pursuer will disappear. The Headless Horseman throws his head at Ichabod, who falls off his horse and passes out.
Resolution
The next morning, the townspeople find Crane's hat and his few belongings, as well as a smashed pumpkin, by the bridge.
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 Legend of Sleepy Hollow".
- 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 | 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
A common use for Storyboard That is to help students create a plot diagram of the events from a story. Not only is this a great way to teach the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and helps students develop greater understanding of literary structures, like 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. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the story in sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" Plot Diagram Example
Exposition
Ichabod Crane is the schoolmaster in Sleepy Hollow, a town beset by supernatural occurrences. A local favorite is the tale of the Headless Horseman, the ghost of a Hessian mercenary who lost his head.
Conflict
Ichabod and rival Brom Bones want to marry Katrina van Tassel, the flirtatious daughter of a wealthy landowner. After receiving the brushoff from Katrina, despite previous encouragement, Ichabod leaves a social gathering in an agitated state.
Rising Action
Ichabod goes home during the witching hour. After hearing many ghost stories at the party, again and again he imagines a ghost or goblin in almost everything he sees. Finally he sees an enormous hulk - the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow.
Climax
The Headless Horseman matches Crane's pace, and finally chases him. Ichabod tries to spur on Gunpowder, a borrowed horse, to reach the bridge quickly.
Falling Action
Ichabod makes it to the bridge and turns to see if his pursuer will disappear. The Headless Horseman throws his head at Ichabod, who falls off his horse and passes out.
Resolution
The next morning, the townspeople find Crane's hat and his few belongings, as well as a smashed pumpkin, by the bridge.
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 Legend of Sleepy Hollow".
- 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 | 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 Legend of Sleepy Hollow\" Summary
Engage students with creative retelling activities
Boost student comprehension and excitement by having them retell key scenes in their own words or through art. Creative retelling helps students process the plot and strengthens their understanding of narrative structure.
Assign students to choose a favorite scene to retell
Ask each student to pick a memorable scene from the story. Giving students choice increases engagement and encourages personal connection to the material.
Encourage retelling through writing, drawing, or acting
Let students choose to rewrite the scene in their own words, illustrate it, or act it out. Multiple formats allow all learners to express their understanding and creativity effectively.
Facilitate sharing and discussion of retellings
Invite students to present their retellings to the class or in small groups. Sharing builds confidence and helps students see different interpretations of the same story events.
Reflect as a class on how retelling deepens understanding
Lead a brief discussion on what students learned by retelling scenes. Reflecting helps reinforce story elements and encourages students to think critically about narrative structure.
Frequently Asked Questions about \"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow\" Summary
What is a plot diagram for 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'?
A plot diagram for 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' visually breaks down the story into key elements: exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Each part illustrates a major event, helping students understand the story’s structure and main ideas.
How can I teach 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' plot structure to elementary students?
To teach the plot structure, use a six-cell storyboard where each cell represents a part of the plot: exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Encourage students to draw scenes and write short descriptions for each stage to reinforce comprehension.
What are the main events in 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' for a classroom plot diagram?
The main events are: Ichabod Crane arriving in Sleepy Hollow (exposition), the rivalry with Brom Bones over Katrina (conflict), Ichabod’s eerie journey home (rising action), the chase by the Headless Horseman (climax), Ichabod’s fall from the horse (falling action), and the mysterious disappearance found next morning (resolution).
Why use a storyboard for teaching literary structure in K-12 classrooms?
A storyboard helps students visualize story progression, making abstract plot elements concrete. It supports visual learners, encourages creativity, and reinforces understanding of literary structure such as the five-act or six-part plot diagram.
What is an easy activity for students to summarize 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'?
An easy activity is to have students create a visual plot diagram using drawings or digital tools. They separate the story into the six major plot parts and illustrate or describe each, making summary and comprehension engaging and accessible.
More Storyboard That Activities
Legend of Sleepy Hollow, The
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