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 When You Trap a Tiger. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
When You Trap a Tiger Plot Diagram Example
Exposition: Lily, her sister Sam, and their mother move to Washington to take care of their beloved halmoni. Lily learns of Halmoni’s past and the importance that storytelling plays in their Korean culture.
Rising Action: Lily comes face to face with the tiger, who claims Halmoni stole her stories by scooping them up from the stars and keeping them in jars. Lily makes a deal with the tiger: she will return the stories and Halmoni will be healed.
Climax: Halmoni becomes very ill and is rushed to the hospital. Lily calls upon the tiger, whom she originally thought was there to harm Halmoni, for help.
Falling Action: With her daughter and granddaughters by her side, Halmoni dies peacefully at the hospital. Lily was able to tell her one last story.
Resolution: The whole town gathers at the library to remember Halmoni and celebrate her life with a kosa. Lily and Sam are happy in their new town, and feel at peace for the first time in a long time.
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 of When You Trap a Tiger.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- 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 short description of each of the examples in the plot diagram.
- Save and exit when you're done.
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 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 When You Trap a Tiger. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
When You Trap a Tiger Plot Diagram Example
Exposition: Lily, her sister Sam, and their mother move to Washington to take care of their beloved halmoni. Lily learns of Halmoni’s past and the importance that storytelling plays in their Korean culture.
Rising Action: Lily comes face to face with the tiger, who claims Halmoni stole her stories by scooping them up from the stars and keeping them in jars. Lily makes a deal with the tiger: she will return the stories and Halmoni will be healed.
Climax: Halmoni becomes very ill and is rushed to the hospital. Lily calls upon the tiger, whom she originally thought was there to harm Halmoni, for help.
Falling Action: With her daughter and granddaughters by her side, Halmoni dies peacefully at the hospital. Lily was able to tell her one last story.
Resolution: The whole town gathers at the library to remember Halmoni and celebrate her life with a kosa. Lily and Sam are happy in their new town, and feel at peace for the first time in a long time.
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 of When You Trap a Tiger.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- 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 short description of each of the examples in the plot diagram.
- Save and exit when you're done.
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 When You Trap a Tiger Summary
Organize a classroom discussion using the plot diagram
Encourage students to share their interpretations of each plot stage by referencing the completed diagram. Active participation will deepen their understanding and help build communication skills.
Connect plot events to character growth
Ask students to identify how Lily and other characters change throughout the story's major events. Making these connections fosters empathy and insight into character development.
Facilitate small group retellings using the diagram
Divide students into groups and assign each a plot stage to retell in their own words. Collaborative retelling reinforces comprehension and builds speaking confidence.
Integrate creative writing by imagining a new ending
Invite students to write or storyboard an alternative resolution for the story. Creative thinking enhances engagement and allows for personal expression.
Display plot diagrams for peer feedback
Have students present their diagrams and give positive, constructive feedback to each other. Peer review promotes a supportive classroom environment and deeper analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions about When You Trap a Tiger Summary
What is a plot diagram for When You Trap a Tiger?
A plot diagram for When You Trap a Tiger visually outlines the key events in the story, including the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. It helps students understand how the story unfolds and the important turning points involving Lily, her family, and the magical tiger.
How can students create a plot diagram for When You Trap a Tiger?
Students can create a plot diagram by dividing the story into six parts: Title, Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. For each part, they should select an important event, draw or choose an image that represents it, and write a brief description to capture the main idea.
What are the major events in When You Trap a Tiger’s plot?
The major events in When You Trap a Tiger include: Lily's family moving to Washington (Exposition), Lily meeting the tiger and making a deal (Rising Action), Halmoni's illness and Lily seeking help from the tiger (Climax), Halmoni's peaceful death (Falling Action), and the community gathering to honor Halmoni (Resolution).
Why is creating a plot diagram helpful for understanding When You Trap a Tiger?
Creating a plot diagram helps students break down complex stories into manageable parts, making it easier to identify key events, understand literary structure, and remember how the characters change throughout When You Trap a Tiger.
What is the best way to teach the plot of When You Trap a Tiger to grades 4-6?
The best way to teach the plot is to use visual aids like storyboards or plot diagrams. Encourage students to illustrate each plot point, discuss character motivations, and connect events to themes such as family, culture, and storytelling.
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