Activity Overview
An exceptional way to help your students follow a story is for them to track the events from it. Not only is this a great way to teach the parts of a plot, it also reinforces major events, which helps students develop better understanding of how the events fit together to provide the overall structure of the story.
EVENT ONE
Agamemnon, calls for all Kings and Prices to wage war against Troy. A Trojan has kidnapped his wife, Helen. A messenger comes and makes Odysseus go to war, even though he doesn't want to.
EVENT TWO
10 years pass and they still have not saved Helen. Many Trojans and Greeks die in battle. The goddess Athena tells Odysseus of a plan to help rescue Helen. They build the Trojan Horse.
EVENT THREE
The Greeks rescue Helen but anger the gods while doing so. The gods force the Greek ships to stop their trip home at the Island of the Lotus-Eaters where three men of Odysseus' get their memories erased.
EVENT FOUR
The ships set sail again, but the gods force them to stop their journey at another island. Odysseus's curiosity leads them to the cave of the cyclops, Polyphemus, where the soldiers are trapped inside.
EVENT FIVE
To try to escape, Odysseus, gets the monster drunk and then stabs him in the eye. Odysseus tells the monster that his name is, "No One". When Polyphemus calls for help, he is shouting, "NO ONE hurt me" and the other cyclops stop trying to help.
EVENT SIX
The men escape by hiding under the bellies of sheep. Odysseus taunts the monster, because he thinks he is safe, and tells the monster his real name. Polyphemus tells him that he is part of a prophecy, that has now come true. Polyphemus puts a curse on Odysseus.
EVENT SEVEN
Odysseus and his men find shelter at Aeolus's fortress. Aeolus enjoys Odysseus' stories of the war. Aeolus helps Odysseus by trapping all the winds in a bag, so Odysseus could have a safe journey home to Ithaca.
EVENT EIGHT
The men can see the shores of Ithaca and are almost home, until, some of the men open up the bag of winds, which causes a huge storm. Their ships are blown far, far away from home. Odysseus is upset but vows that he will make it home to Ithaca.
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".
- Write a the events of the story in each description box.
- Illustrate each event using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events | Each of the cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or more cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that accurately show events in the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Most images show the events of the story, but some are incorrect. | The images are unclear or do not make sense with the story. |
| Descriptions | Descriptions match the images and show the change over time. | Descriptions do not always match the images or mention the importance of the event. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| 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 very difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
An exceptional way to help your students follow a story is for them to track the events from it. Not only is this a great way to teach the parts of a plot, it also reinforces major events, which helps students develop better understanding of how the events fit together to provide the overall structure of the story.
EVENT ONE
Agamemnon, calls for all Kings and Prices to wage war against Troy. A Trojan has kidnapped his wife, Helen. A messenger comes and makes Odysseus go to war, even though he doesn't want to.
EVENT TWO
10 years pass and they still have not saved Helen. Many Trojans and Greeks die in battle. The goddess Athena tells Odysseus of a plan to help rescue Helen. They build the Trojan Horse.
EVENT THREE
The Greeks rescue Helen but anger the gods while doing so. The gods force the Greek ships to stop their trip home at the Island of the Lotus-Eaters where three men of Odysseus' get their memories erased.
EVENT FOUR
The ships set sail again, but the gods force them to stop their journey at another island. Odysseus's curiosity leads them to the cave of the cyclops, Polyphemus, where the soldiers are trapped inside.
EVENT FIVE
To try to escape, Odysseus, gets the monster drunk and then stabs him in the eye. Odysseus tells the monster that his name is, "No One". When Polyphemus calls for help, he is shouting, "NO ONE hurt me" and the other cyclops stop trying to help.
EVENT SIX
The men escape by hiding under the bellies of sheep. Odysseus taunts the monster, because he thinks he is safe, and tells the monster his real name. Polyphemus tells him that he is part of a prophecy, that has now come true. Polyphemus puts a curse on Odysseus.
EVENT SEVEN
Odysseus and his men find shelter at Aeolus's fortress. Aeolus enjoys Odysseus' stories of the war. Aeolus helps Odysseus by trapping all the winds in a bag, so Odysseus could have a safe journey home to Ithaca.
EVENT EIGHT
The men can see the shores of Ithaca and are almost home, until, some of the men open up the bag of winds, which causes a huge storm. Their ships are blown far, far away from home. Odysseus is upset but vows that he will make it home to Ithaca.
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".
- Write a the events of the story in each description box.
- Illustrate each event using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events | Each of the cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or more cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that accurately show events in the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Most images show the events of the story, but some are incorrect. | The images are unclear or do not make sense with the story. |
| Descriptions | Descriptions match the images and show the change over time. | Descriptions do not always match the images or mention the importance of the event. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| 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 very difficult to understand. |
How Tos about The One-Eyed Giant Sequence of Events
Set up a timeline activity using anchor charts
Display a large anchor chart on your classroom wall and draw a horizontal timeline across it. This gives students a visual reference for sequencing events and helps them organize their thoughts as the story unfolds.
Provide students with event cards to sequence collaboratively
Write key story events from "The One-Eyed Giant" on separate index cards. Distribute the cards among students and have them work together to arrange the cards in chronological order on the anchor chart or whiteboard. This promotes discussion and deeper understanding.
Assign students to illustrate each event
Ask students to create simple drawings for each event on the timeline, using colored pencils or markers. Encourage creativity and detail to make each moment memorable. This supports visual learners and reinforces story structure.
Facilitate a class discussion connecting events to plot structure
Lead students in identifying the exposition, rising action, climax, and resolution on the timeline. Discuss how each event contributes to the overall plot, helping students see connections and deepen comprehension.
Encourage students to retell the story using the timeline
Have students use the completed timeline to orally retell "The One-Eyed Giant" in their own words. This builds confidence in sequencing and helps students internalize story elements for future reading and writing tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions about The One-Eyed Giant Sequence of Events
What are the main events in The One-Eyed Giant story?
The One-Eyed Giant follows a sequence where Odysseus is called to war, the Greeks build the Trojan Horse, anger the gods, and get stranded on islands, including meeting Polyphemus the cyclops. Key events include escaping the cyclops, receiving the bag of winds, and nearly reaching home before being blown off course again.
How can I teach sequence of events using The One-Eyed Giant?
Use a timeline activity where students list and illustrate each major event from the story in order. This helps reinforce plot structure and comprehension, making it easier for students to remember and retell the story.
What is a simple summary of The One-Eyed Giant for students?
Odysseus is forced to fight in the Trojan War, faces challenges from the gods, tricks the cyclops Polyphemus to escape, and tries to return home but is delayed by his crew’s mistakes. The story shows perseverance and cleverness.
Why is tracking story events important for 3rd to 6th grade students?
Tracking story events helps students understand plot structure, improves comprehension, and enables them to retell stories more accurately. It also supports their ability to identify cause and effect in literature.
What is the best way to illustrate key moments from The One-Eyed Giant?
Encourage students to draw scenes for each major event, focusing on important characters and actions, such as Odysseus outsmarting the cyclops. Visuals help students engage and remember the story sequence better.
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One-Eyed Giant, The
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