Activity Overview
Edward meets many different people on his journey, and learns the important lesson that love is what matters most. Rather than creating a traditional plot diagram, students can summarize and illustrate Edward’s time with each of the new people that he met throughout his journey. Their finished products should be in chronological order, and have 6 cells, covering Abilene, Lawrence and Nellie, Bull and Lucy, Bryce, Lucius Clarke, and Abilene and her daughter. This sample activity contains spoilers. This activity is best to use as a culminating activity once students have finished reading the novel, or it can be done along the way, with students creating a new cell after they have finished each part 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.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 6 cell storyboard of Edward’s travels in The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create scenes from each part of Edward’s journey, in chronological order, using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of each of the examples.
- 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 cells represents a different part of the summary. 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 summarize and do not get in the way of understanding. | Some of the images help summarize. Descriptions do not always match the images. | Images do not make sense with the summary. |
| 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
Edward meets many different people on his journey, and learns the important lesson that love is what matters most. Rather than creating a traditional plot diagram, students can summarize and illustrate Edward’s time with each of the new people that he met throughout his journey. Their finished products should be in chronological order, and have 6 cells, covering Abilene, Lawrence and Nellie, Bull and Lucy, Bryce, Lucius Clarke, and Abilene and her daughter. This sample activity contains spoilers. This activity is best to use as a culminating activity once students have finished reading the novel, or it can be done along the way, with students creating a new cell after they have finished each part 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.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 6 cell storyboard of Edward’s travels in The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create scenes from each part of Edward’s journey, in chronological order, using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of each of the examples.
- 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 cells represents a different part of the summary. 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 summarize and do not get in the way of understanding. | Some of the images help summarize. Descriptions do not always match the images. | Images do not make sense with the summary. |
| 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 Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane Summary
How can I help students connect personally with Edward’s journey?
Invite students to reflect on moments in their own lives when they felt lost, changed, or found new friendships. Encourage personal connections by asking them to write a short journal entry about a time they learned something important from someone else, just as Edward did. Sharing these experiences can deepen empathy and engagement with the story.
Guide students to brainstorm connections between Edward’s experiences and their own lives.
Ask students to list challenges or lessons Edward faced, then identify any similar experiences from their own lives. Use a Venn diagram to visually compare and contrast their journeys. This helps students see universal themes and relate the novel’s message to themselves.
Facilitate a class discussion about the meaning of love in the story.
Lead a conversation where students share what love means to Edward and what it means to them. Encourage respectful listening and open sharing. Highlight how Edward’s understanding changes and grows throughout the book.
Encourage creative responses through art or writing.
Let students create a drawing, poem, or short story inspired by a key moment in Edward's journey. Offer choices for creative expression so all students feel comfortable participating. This builds deeper comprehension and personal investment.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane Summary
What is a good summary of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane?
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane follows a china rabbit named Edward as he travels from owner to owner, learning the true meaning of love and empathy through his experiences with different people. The story highlights personal growth, loss, and the importance of caring for others.
How can students create a storyboard for Edward Tulane's journey?
Students can make a storyboard by dividing Edward's journey into six major parts: Abilene, Lawrence and Nellie, Bull and Lucy, Bryce, Lucius Clarke, and finally Abilene and her daughter. For each part, they should draw a scene and write a short description to show Edward’s growth and experiences.
What are the key lessons Edward Tulane learns in the novel?
Edward learns that love, loss, and connection are what matter most. Through his journey, he discovers compassion for others, the pain of heartbreak, and the joy of opening his heart to new relationships.
Why is a plot diagram or storyboard useful for teaching The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane?
A plot diagram or storyboard helps students visually organize the main events and characters in Edward’s journey, making it easier to understand the story’s structure and the changes Edward undergoes. It also encourages creativity and deeper comprehension.
What are some engaging activities for teaching The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane in 4th or 5th grade?
Engaging activities include creating storyboards, character maps, discussion circles, and creative writing prompts. These activities help students connect with the novel’s themes, practice summarizing, and express their understanding in multiple ways.
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Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, The
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