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 help students develop greater understanding of literary structures. Sometimes students will really have to think carefully about which events are major turning points in the plot.
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 book in sequence using Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
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 Lightning Thief.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- 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 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plot Images | Cells include images that convey events in the corresponding stage of the plot. The images represent an important moment and exemplify the descriptions below them. | Cells include one or two images that convey events from an incorrect stage of the plot. Most images represent an important moment and exemplify the descriptions below them. | Cells include three or more images that convey events from an incorrect stage of the plot. Images depict minor and inimportant moments or do not reflect the descriptions below them. |
| Plot Text | The storyboard correctly identifies all six stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells correctly breaks down the plot events into appropriate stages. The text gives a logical overview of the plot and includes the most significant events of the book. | The storyboard misidentifies one or two stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells breaks down most of the plot events into appropriate stages. The text gives a logical overview of the plot, but may omit some significant events of the book. | The storyboard misidentifies three or more stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells does not correspond to the events of that stage. Overall plot description is not logical. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is exemplary. Text contains few or no mistakes. | Text contains some significant errors in spelling or grammar. | Text contains many errors in spelling or grammar. |
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 help students develop greater understanding of literary structures. Sometimes students will really have to think carefully about which events are major turning points in the plot.
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 book in sequence using Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
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 Lightning Thief.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- 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 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plot Images | Cells include images that convey events in the corresponding stage of the plot. The images represent an important moment and exemplify the descriptions below them. | Cells include one or two images that convey events from an incorrect stage of the plot. Most images represent an important moment and exemplify the descriptions below them. | Cells include three or more images that convey events from an incorrect stage of the plot. Images depict minor and inimportant moments or do not reflect the descriptions below them. |
| Plot Text | The storyboard correctly identifies all six stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells correctly breaks down the plot events into appropriate stages. The text gives a logical overview of the plot and includes the most significant events of the book. | The storyboard misidentifies one or two stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells breaks down most of the plot events into appropriate stages. The text gives a logical overview of the plot, but may omit some significant events of the book. | The storyboard misidentifies three or more stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells does not correspond to the events of that stage. Overall plot description is not logical. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is exemplary. Text contains few or no mistakes. | Text contains some significant errors in spelling or grammar. | Text contains many errors in spelling or grammar. |
How Tos about The Lightning Thief Plot Diagram
Organize a collaborative class plot diagram activity
Boost student engagement by having small groups each create part of the plot diagram on chart paper or digitally. This encourages teamwork and deeper analysis as students discuss key events to include for each plot stage.
Assign roles for deeper literary analysis
Give each student a specific role (such as summarizer, illustrator, or connector) within their group. Roles help students focus on different aspects of the plot, ensuring everyone participates and gains a fuller understanding of the story.
Guide students to support plot points with textual evidence
Ask students to find and record quotes from the text for each plot diagram section. This practice strengthens close reading skills and helps justify why certain events are considered major turning points.
Facilitate a class discussion to compare group diagrams
Lead a discussion where groups present their diagrams and explain their choices. Comparing interpretations sparks critical thinking and shows that plot analysis can have more than one valid perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Lightning Thief Plot Diagram
What is a plot diagram for The Lightning Thief?
A plot diagram for The Lightning Thief visually maps out the story’s key events, including the exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, helping students understand the narrative structure of Rick Riordan’s novel.
How can students create a storyboard plot diagram for The Lightning Thief?
Students can create a storyboard plot diagram by separating the story into six main parts—exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution—and illustrating or describing a key moment from each section in sequence.
What are the major plot points in The Lightning Thief?
The major plot points in The Lightning Thief include Percy’s discovery of his demigod identity (exposition), the theft of Zeus’s lightning bolt (conflict), Percy’s quest and challenges (rising action), the showdown with Ares (climax), resolving misunderstandings among the gods (falling action), and Percy’s return to camp (resolution).
Why is creating a plot diagram helpful for understanding The Lightning Thief?
Creating a plot diagram helps students break down and visualize the structure of The Lightning Thief, making it easier to identify key events, follow the narrative arc, and analyze how stories are constructed.
What is the best way to teach plot structure using The Lightning Thief?
The best way to teach plot structure with The Lightning Thief is to have students use a storyboard or visual organizer to map out each major story event, encouraging them to think critically about the significance of each plot stage.
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