Activity Overview
Creating a plot diagram not only helps students learn the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and help students develop 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. In this activity, students will create a visual plot diagram of major events in The War That Saved My Life. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, 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.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a visual plot diagram for The War That Saved My Life.
Student Instructions:
- Separate the story into the Title, Exposition, 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 using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
- Write a description of each of the steps in the plot diagram.
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Cells include images that help to tell the story and do not get in the way of understanding. Descriptions match the images. | Descriptions do not always match the images. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Plot | Each of the six cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | Two cells or fewer are out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or three or more cells are out of order. |
| 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 To Make a Plot Diagram for “The War That Saved My Life” Using Storyboard That
Introduce Storyboard That
Introduce students to Storyboard That and show them how it can be used to create plot diagrams and perform many other activities related to several subjects. Teachers can show a tutorial on how students can get started, some samples of plot diagrams and how students can arrange information on the templates.
Explain Framework
Explain the framework and structure of a plot diagram to the students in detail. Teachers can work step by step and in sequence to explain all the components of a plot diagram such as starting from the exposition, explaining what it means, and what it includes and ending with an example to move on to the rising action.
Identify Turning Points
Ask the students to read the story carefully once again and highlight all the main points present in the story. All the main points should fit into the framework of the plot diagram so the diagram has more structure and is easier to understand from an outside perspective.
Choose a Template
Help the students choose a template from the site that can fit all the information that students want to include in their plot diagrams. Students can also add visual elements and pictures to enhance their plot diagrams and make them more interesting. Ask the students to arrange their cells, organize the information in the cells, and analyze if the turning points fit into the framework.
Reflect and Present
Encourage the students to proofread and recheck their plot diagrams for mistakes and reflect on all the concepts they have learned so far. Students can save their plot diagrams or print them, out to share with the rest of the class.
Frequently Asked Questions About The War That Saved My Life Plot Diagram
Which characters are first introduced in the exposition of the story?
Ada, the main character, is a young woman with clubfoot, Ada's younger brother Jamie and their abusive and cruel biological mother “Mam” are also introduced as part of the exposition. Ada and Jamie are taken in by Susan Smith during the evacuation who later plays the role of their caretaker.
What difficulties or conflicts do the characters encounter as the narrative develops?
Ada strives to develop a positive self-perception and learn to trust Susan. Additionally, she discovers compassion for the first time, learns to walk and ride a horse, and develops a feeling of self-worth.
What is the resolution of the story?
Ada and Jamie prevail in the court dispute and are granted the right to live permanently with Susan. Together, they start to create a brand-new, devoted family. The newly formed family still has many challenges to face but they find their happiness and comfort in each other.
More Storyboard That Activities
War That Saved My Life, The
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