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 a greater understanding of literary structures.
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.
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 Third Wish.
- 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 helps students develop a greater understanding of literary structures.
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.
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 Third Wish.
- 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 Third Wish Summary
Organize a student-led discussion about 'The Third Wish'
Empower students to lead a class discussion by assigning roles such as moderator, note-taker, and question-asker. This increases engagement and helps students practice communication and critical thinking skills while exploring the story's themes.
Prepare open-ended questions to guide conversation
Create a list of thought-provoking, open-ended questions about character motivations, choices, and consequences. Encourage deeper analysis and personal connections to 'The Third Wish.'
Model respectful listening and response behaviors
Demonstrate how to listen actively and respond thoughtfully to peers. Set clear expectations for taking turns, paraphrasing, and agreeing or disagreeing respectfully to foster a positive discussion environment.
Encourage students to support ideas with text evidence
Remind students to reference specific passages or events from the story when making a point. This builds analytical skills and strengthens their arguments during the discussion.
Reflect on the discussion as a class
Invite students to share what they learned or how their thinking changed after the discussion. This reinforces comprehension and helps students internalize key themes from 'The Third Wish.'
Frequently Asked Questions about The Third Wish Summary
What is a plot diagram for 'The Third Wish'?
A plot diagram for 'The Third Wish' visually breaks down the story into key parts: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. This helps students understand the narrative structure and major events of Joan Aiken's story.
How can students create a storyboard for 'The Third Wish'?
Students can create a storyboard by dividing 'The Third Wish' into six parts—one for each plot element. For each section, they draw a scene and write a brief description that summarizes the main action or turning point, reinforcing their understanding of the story's structure.
What are the steps to making a plot diagram lesson for middle school students?
The key steps include: 1) Introduce the parts of a plot diagram, 2) Read 'The Third Wish' together, 3) Have students identify each plot part, 4) Guide them to create scenes and descriptions, and 5) Review and discuss as a class.
Why is using storyboards effective for teaching plot structure?
Storyboards are effective because they visualize key events, help students organize information, and make abstract concepts like plot structure more concrete and memorable, especially for visual learners.
What are some tips for helping students identify exposition, conflict, and climax in a story?
Encourage students to look for character introductions and setting for exposition, the main problem for conflict, and the turning point where the story changes most dramatically for the climax. Use guiding questions and examples to support understanding.
More Storyboard That Activities
Third Wish, The
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
