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 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.
The Witch of Blackbird Pond Plot Diagram Example
Exposition
Sixteen-year-old Kit Tyler leaves her wealthy home in Barbados following the death of her grandfather. Impulsively jumping aboard the ship the Dolphin, she sets out to start a new life with her aunt, uncle, and cousins in Wethersfield, Connecticut.
Conflict
Right away, Kit finds that she does not fit in well with the Puritan society of Wethersfield. Her wealthy upbringing and free-spirited ways make it hard for her to adjust to the hard work and strict religious practices of her family and neighbors.
Rising Action
As Kit strives to fit in with Wethersfield society, she works long hours in the kitchen and fields, attends church services, and wins the romantic attentions of William Ashby. Although the villagers begin to accept her, she feels most at home with an elderly Quaker, Hannah Tupper, who is rumored to be a witch. Kit’s best friends turn out to be Hannah, a sailor on the Dolphin named Nat, and Prudence, a young girl Kit secretly teaches to read.
Climax
When many of the villagers come down with a deadly fever, an angry mob tries to attack Hannah Tupper, believing her to be a witch responsible for the illnesses. Kit manages to get Hannah to safety, only to be accused of witchcraft herself. When Kit is put on trial, she is nearly condemned until Nat and Prudence come with evidence to prove her innocence.
Falling Action
When William Ashby fails to defend Kit during her witch trial, she realizes she can never marry him. Instead, William decides to marry Judith, and Mercy gets engaged to John Holbrook. Although Kit is happy for them, she feels unsettled and discontent. At first, she believes she is homesick for Barbados, but eventually she realizes that she misses Nat.
Resolution
Nat returns in the spring with his own ship, the Witch, named after Kit. Kit and Nat plan to get married, allowing Kit to spend her winters in the West Indies and her summers in Connecticut with those she has come to love.
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 Witch of Blackbird Pond.
- 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 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.
The Witch of Blackbird Pond Plot Diagram Example
Exposition
Sixteen-year-old Kit Tyler leaves her wealthy home in Barbados following the death of her grandfather. Impulsively jumping aboard the ship the Dolphin, she sets out to start a new life with her aunt, uncle, and cousins in Wethersfield, Connecticut.
Conflict
Right away, Kit finds that she does not fit in well with the Puritan society of Wethersfield. Her wealthy upbringing and free-spirited ways make it hard for her to adjust to the hard work and strict religious practices of her family and neighbors.
Rising Action
As Kit strives to fit in with Wethersfield society, she works long hours in the kitchen and fields, attends church services, and wins the romantic attentions of William Ashby. Although the villagers begin to accept her, she feels most at home with an elderly Quaker, Hannah Tupper, who is rumored to be a witch. Kit’s best friends turn out to be Hannah, a sailor on the Dolphin named Nat, and Prudence, a young girl Kit secretly teaches to read.
Climax
When many of the villagers come down with a deadly fever, an angry mob tries to attack Hannah Tupper, believing her to be a witch responsible for the illnesses. Kit manages to get Hannah to safety, only to be accused of witchcraft herself. When Kit is put on trial, she is nearly condemned until Nat and Prudence come with evidence to prove her innocence.
Falling Action
When William Ashby fails to defend Kit during her witch trial, she realizes she can never marry him. Instead, William decides to marry Judith, and Mercy gets engaged to John Holbrook. Although Kit is happy for them, she feels unsettled and discontent. At first, she believes she is homesick for Barbados, but eventually she realizes that she misses Nat.
Resolution
Nat returns in the spring with his own ship, the Witch, named after Kit. Kit and Nat plan to get married, allowing Kit to spend her winters in the West Indies and her summers in Connecticut with those she has come to love.
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 Witch of Blackbird Pond.
- 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 Witch of Blackbird Pond Plot Diagram Activity
Organize a collaborative plot diagram project for your class
Foster teamwork by dividing students into small groups, assigning each group a plot segment (Exposition, Conflict, etc.), and having them create their part of the diagram together. Collaboration helps students deepen understanding through discussion and shared creativity.
Assign plot diagram roles within each group
Designate roles such as illustrator, summarizer, and presenter. Clear responsibilities keep everyone engaged and ensure each student contributes to the project’s success.
Provide resources and support for group work
Offer story summaries, character lists, and sample diagrams to guide students as they work together. Accessible materials help all learners participate confidently and stay on track.
Facilitate group presentations of each plot section
Have each group present their portion of the plot diagram to the class, explaining key events and visuals. This step builds communication skills and reinforces comprehension for everyone.
Combine all group sections into a class plot diagram
Compile the group work into one large visual—on a bulletin board or digitally—to showcase the complete story arc. Seeing the full diagram helps students connect individual parts to the whole narrative structure.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Witch of Blackbird Pond Plot Diagram Activity
What is a plot diagram for The Witch of Blackbird Pond?
A plot diagram for The Witch of Blackbird Pond visually organizes the story's main events into six parts: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. It helps students understand the narrative structure and key events in the novel.
How can I teach students to create a plot diagram for The Witch of Blackbird Pond?
Have students break the story into the six plot parts and create a storyboard. Each cell should illustrate and describe an important moment from each stage: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Visuals and brief summaries help reinforce comprehension.
What are the major events in The Witch of Blackbird Pond's plot diagram?
Major events include: Kit Tyler's arrival in Connecticut (Exposition), her struggle to fit in (Conflict), forming friendships (Rising Action), the witch trial (Climax), aftermath and realizations (Falling Action), and her decision to marry Nat (Resolution).
Why is using a plot diagram effective for middle school literature lessons?
A plot diagram helps middle school students visually organize story events, understand literary structure, and improve reading comprehension. It encourages critical thinking and makes complex narratives easier to follow.
What are some tips for making a quick and easy plot diagram activity for K–12 students?
Use a six-cell storyboard template, provide clear instructions, and let students summarize each plot part in one or two sentences. Encourage use of simple images or drawings to represent each section for quick understanding.
More Storyboard That Activities
Witch of Blackbird Pond, The
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