Activity Overview
Students can create and show a storyboard that captures the concept of the Five Act Structure by making a six-cell storyboard, like the one below. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the acts in order: Prologue, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Denouement.
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 Tempest.
- Separate the play into the Prologue/Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Denouement.
- Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the acts.
- 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 | Try Again | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Descriptive and Visual Elements | Cells have many descriptive elements, and provide the reader with a vivid representation. | Cells have many descriptive elements, but flow of cells may have been hard to understand. | Cells have few descriptive elements, or have visuals that make the work confusing. | Cells have few or no descriptive elements. |
| Grammar/Spelling | Textables have three or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have four or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have five or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have six or more spelling/grammar errors. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has done both peer and teacher editing. | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has either teacher or peer editing, but not both. | Student has done neither peer, nor teacher editing. | Work shows no evidence of any effort. |
| Plot | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram. | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram, but one or more is confusing. | Parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot difficult to follow. | Almost all of the parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot very difficult to follow. |
Activity Overview
Students can create and show a storyboard that captures the concept of the Five Act Structure by making a six-cell storyboard, like the one below. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the acts in order: Prologue, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Denouement.
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 Tempest.
- Separate the play into the Prologue/Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Denouement.
- Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the acts.
- 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 | Try Again | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Descriptive and Visual Elements | Cells have many descriptive elements, and provide the reader with a vivid representation. | Cells have many descriptive elements, but flow of cells may have been hard to understand. | Cells have few descriptive elements, or have visuals that make the work confusing. | Cells have few or no descriptive elements. |
| Grammar/Spelling | Textables have three or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have four or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have five or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have six or more spelling/grammar errors. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has done both peer and teacher editing. | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has either teacher or peer editing, but not both. | Student has done neither peer, nor teacher editing. | Work shows no evidence of any effort. |
| Plot | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram. | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram, but one or more is confusing. | Parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot difficult to follow. | Almost all of the parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot very difficult to follow. |
How Tos about The Tempest Five Act Structure Diagram
How can I adapt the Five Act Structure storyboard for younger students?
Adjust the storyboard activity for grades 2–8 by simplifying the language and plot points. Focus on the main events and use familiar vocabulary so students can understand and retell the story in their own words. This helps them engage with Shakespeare at their level.
Break down each act into one main event students can illustrate.
Choose the most important moment from each act, such as the shipwreck or Prospero's forgiveness, and have students draw just that scene. This keeps the activity focused and less overwhelming for younger grades.
Use collaborative group work to build storyboards together.
Divide the class into small groups and assign each group an act to illustrate. Share and discuss the completed storyboards as a class to build understanding and teamwork.
Incorporate discussion questions before and after drawing.
Ask students guiding questions about characters’ feelings or choices in each act. Encourage sharing ideas before drawing to deepen comprehension and spark creativity.
Display finished storyboards and celebrate student creativity.
Showcase the completed storyboards on a bulletin board or in a digital gallery. Recognize each student's effort to boost confidence and foster a love of literature.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Tempest Five Act Structure Diagram
What is the Five Act Structure in The Tempest?
The Five Act Structure in The Tempest refers to dividing Shakespeare's play into five key parts: Prologue/Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Denouement. Each act represents a different stage of the plot, helping students analyze the story's progression.
How can students create a plot diagram for The Tempest?
Students can create a plot diagram for The Tempest by drawing a six-cell storyboard. Each cell should illustrate and describe a major event in the order of the play's acts: Prologue, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Denouement.
What are some important scenes to include in a Tempest storyboard?
Key scenes for a Tempest storyboard include the shipwreck (Prologue), Prospero’s plan unfolding (Rising Action), the confrontation between Prospero and Alonso (Climax), Ariel's release (Falling Action), and Prospero’s forgiveness (Denouement).
Why use storyboards to teach Shakespeare’s Five Act Structure?
Storyboards help students visualize and organize the main events of The Tempest, making it easier to understand the structure and flow of the play. This hands-on activity also supports different learning styles.
What tips can help teachers quickly implement a Five Act Structure lesson for The Tempest?
Teachers can save time by using ready-made storyboard templates, assigning specific acts to students or groups, and providing clear instructions for identifying key plot points in The Tempest.
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