Activity Overview
Learning to summarize a story is a skill students will use throughout their life. Starting with the Beginning, Middle, and End, students will learn to identify important scenes in stories in a way that creates an easy to understand summary. In this activity, students will create a 3 cell storyboard that summarizes Underground to Canada. Teachers may choose to ask students to illustrate a traditional plot diagram as a way to differentiate this assignment for ambitious students, having them separate the story into the Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
BME Example
Beginning: When the readers first meet Julilly, she is enslaved on the Hensen Plantation in Virginia with her mother; they have lived there since Julilly was born and are treated better than most other slaves, as far as they know. When a nasty slave trader arrives, Julilly is separated from her mother and sold to the Rileys in Mississippi.
Middle: After a long and miserable journey, Julilly and the others, including her new friend Liza, arrive at the Riley Plantation. It is a terrible place to be, but Julilly has new hope when she discovers that Mister Ross, who has disguised himself as a bird scientist, plans to help some slaves escape. Julilly, Liza, and two men named Adam and Lester begin their journey on the Underground Railroad.
End: After another long journey, being separated from Lester and Adam, several close calls, and many scary moments, Julilly and Liza arrive in Canada. Julilly is reunited with Lester and her momma, who agrees to take care of Liza.
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 summary of Underground to Canada.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Separate the story into the beginning, middle, and end.
- 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 short description of each of the examples in the plot diagram.
- Save and exit when you're finished
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plot | Each of the three cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. Sentences accurately summarize each part. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or three cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that help to tell the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Some of the images help tell the story. Descriptions do not always match the images. | Images do not make sense with the story. |
| 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
Learning to summarize a story is a skill students will use throughout their life. Starting with the Beginning, Middle, and End, students will learn to identify important scenes in stories in a way that creates an easy to understand summary. In this activity, students will create a 3 cell storyboard that summarizes Underground to Canada. Teachers may choose to ask students to illustrate a traditional plot diagram as a way to differentiate this assignment for ambitious students, having them separate the story into the Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
BME Example
Beginning: When the readers first meet Julilly, she is enslaved on the Hensen Plantation in Virginia with her mother; they have lived there since Julilly was born and are treated better than most other slaves, as far as they know. When a nasty slave trader arrives, Julilly is separated from her mother and sold to the Rileys in Mississippi.
Middle: After a long and miserable journey, Julilly and the others, including her new friend Liza, arrive at the Riley Plantation. It is a terrible place to be, but Julilly has new hope when she discovers that Mister Ross, who has disguised himself as a bird scientist, plans to help some slaves escape. Julilly, Liza, and two men named Adam and Lester begin their journey on the Underground Railroad.
End: After another long journey, being separated from Lester and Adam, several close calls, and many scary moments, Julilly and Liza arrive in Canada. Julilly is reunited with Lester and her momma, who agrees to take care of Liza.
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 summary of Underground to Canada.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Separate the story into the beginning, middle, and end.
- 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 short description of each of the examples in the plot diagram.
- Save and exit when you're finished
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plot | Each of the three cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. Sentences accurately summarize each part. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or three cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that help to tell the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Some of the images help tell the story. Descriptions do not always match the images. | Images do not make sense with the story. |
| 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 Underground to Canada Plot Summary
How to Facilitate a Thoughtful Class Discussion on Underground to Canada
Foster critical thinking by guiding students in a class discussion about key themes, characters, and historical context. Encourage respectful dialogue and diverse perspectives to deepen understanding.
Prepare open-ended questions ahead of time
Design thought-provoking questions that go beyond plot details, such as 'How did Julilly show bravery?' or 'What does freedom mean in the story?' This helps students connect personally and think critically.
Set clear expectations for respectful participation
Explain classroom discussion norms like listening when others speak and using evidence from the book. Model respectful disagreement to create a safe space for all voices.
Use small groups before whole-class sharing
Have students discuss in pairs or small groups first to build confidence and generate ideas. Invite groups to share insights with the class, ensuring more participation.
Connect discussion points to real-world issues
Relate themes like freedom, courage, and justice to current events or students' lives. Encourage students to make meaningful connections for deeper engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions about Underground to Canada Plot Summary
What is a simple plot summary of Underground to Canada?
Underground to Canada follows Julilly, a young enslaved girl, as she is separated from her mother, endures hardship on a new plantation, and escapes via the Underground Railroad. With the help of friends and allies, she bravely journeys to freedom in Canada and is eventually reunited with her loved ones.
How can students summarize Underground to Canada using beginning, middle, and end?
Students can summarize Underground to Canada by dividing the story into three key parts: beginning (Julilly's life and separation from her mother), middle (her experiences and escape plan on the Riley Plantation), and end (her journey to freedom and reunion in Canada).
What is a plot diagram and how can I use it for Underground to Canada?
A plot diagram visually maps out a story's structure, including exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. For Underground to Canada, students can use a plot diagram to break down key scenes and better understand the story's progression.
What are some important scenes to include in a storyboard summary of Underground to Canada?
Key scenes for a storyboard summary are: Julilly's separation from her mother, the escape plan on the Riley Plantation, and her arrival in Canada. These moments highlight the main challenges and turning points in the story.
How can I help students identify the main events in Underground to Canada?
Guide students to focus on major events: the initial situation on the plantation, the separation, the journey, the escape, and the resolution in Canada. Encourage them to look for scenes that change the direction of the story or show character growth.
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Underground to Canada
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