Activity Overview
Creating a plot diagram not only helps students learn 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. In this activity, students will create a visual plot diagram of major events in The Wish Giver. 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 Wish Giver.
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.
Lesson Plan Reference
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. |
Activity Overview
Creating a plot diagram not only helps students learn 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. In this activity, students will create a visual plot diagram of major events in The Wish Giver. 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 Wish Giver.
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.
Lesson Plan Reference
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 Tos about The Wish Giver Summary
Engage students with a creative writing extension using The Wish Giver
Sparking creativity through writing allows students to deepen their understanding of the text and connect personally with its themes.
Prompt students to write their own wish and its unexpected consequences
Ask each student to imagine a wish they might make if given the chance, then describe an unexpected twist or consequence that follows—just like the characters in The Wish Giver.
Guide students to outline their story with a mini plot diagram
Encourage students to organize their ideas by sketching a simple plot diagram with Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution for their wish story.
Support students as they write and illustrate their narratives
Invite students to write their short story and create an accompanying illustration to visualize the key moment or consequence of their wish.
Facilitate a sharing session for students to present their stories
Allow students to share their stories and artwork with classmates, fostering discussion about choices and outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Wish Giver Summary
What is a plot diagram for The Wish Giver?
A plot diagram for The Wish Giver is a visual tool that outlines the main events of the story, including the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. It helps students understand how the narrative unfolds and identify key turning points in the novel.
How do I create a visual plot diagram for The Wish Giver?
To create a visual plot diagram for The Wish Giver, separate the story into six parts: Title, Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. For each part, draw a scene or use images to represent major events, then write a brief description explaining each step in the diagram.
What are the major events in The Wish Giver’s plot?
The Wish Giver’s major events include the introduction of the main characters and setting (Exposition), the granting of wishes (Rising Action), the consequences of those wishes (Climax), the characters dealing with outcomes (Falling Action), and the final lessons learned (Resolution).
Why is making a plot diagram helpful for understanding The Wish Giver?
Making a plot diagram helps students break down and visualize the story’s structure, making it easier to identify important events, understand character decisions, and see how the plot develops from beginning to end.
What should I include in each section of a plot diagram for The Wish Giver?
For each section, include: Title (the book’s name), Exposition (setting and characters), Rising Action (events leading up to the main conflict), Climax (the turning point), Falling Action (events after the climax), and Resolution (how the story ends).
More Storyboard That Activities
Wish Giver, 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
