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 Where the Red Fern Grows. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Where the Red Fern Grows Plot Diagram Example
Exposition: Young Billy has always dreamed of having two hunting dogs, but his family cannot afford it. Billy works odd jobs for two years in order to save enough money to buy his dogs. When he has enough money, he walks into town and purchases two pups, who he names Old Dan and Little Ann.
Rising Action: The dogs are natural hunters and become well known in the area. Billy enters the dogs in a raccoon hunting contest and they win money as a prize.
Climax: After the contest, Billy and the dogs are hunting and come across a mountain lion. The dogs save Billy’s life by fighting off the mountain lion, and Old Dan is very badly injured.
Falling Action: Old Dan dies from his injuries, and Billy is devastated. Little Ann is heartbroken and refuses to eat. She loses her will to live and dies while lying across Old Dan’s grave.
Resolution: The family is able to move further into town due to the money the dogs won from the hunting competition. Before they move, Billy visits the dogs’ graves and sees that a sacred red fern has grown in between them.
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 Where the Red Fern Grows.
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 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 Where the Red Fern Grows. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Where the Red Fern Grows Plot Diagram Example
Exposition: Young Billy has always dreamed of having two hunting dogs, but his family cannot afford it. Billy works odd jobs for two years in order to save enough money to buy his dogs. When he has enough money, he walks into town and purchases two pups, who he names Old Dan and Little Ann.
Rising Action: The dogs are natural hunters and become well known in the area. Billy enters the dogs in a raccoon hunting contest and they win money as a prize.
Climax: After the contest, Billy and the dogs are hunting and come across a mountain lion. The dogs save Billy’s life by fighting off the mountain lion, and Old Dan is very badly injured.
Falling Action: Old Dan dies from his injuries, and Billy is devastated. Little Ann is heartbroken and refuses to eat. She loses her will to live and dies while lying across Old Dan’s grave.
Resolution: The family is able to move further into town due to the money the dogs won from the hunting competition. Before they move, Billy visits the dogs’ graves and sees that a sacred red fern has grown in between them.
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 Where the Red Fern Grows.
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 Where the Red Fern Grows Summary
Incorporate character analysis into your plot diagram lesson
Enhance student understanding by having them identify key character traits and motivations at each stage of the plot diagram. This helps deepen comprehension and connects plot events to character development.
Guide students to select one main character to focus on
Ask students to choose either Billy, Old Dan, or Little Ann for their analysis. Focusing on one character allows for richer insights and avoids overwhelming younger learners.
Prompt students to note the character’s feelings and decisions at each plot point
Encourage students to jot down how their chosen character feels and what choices they make during the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Making these connections supports empathy and critical thinking.
Have students add brief character notes to their storyboard cells
Direct students to include a sentence or phrase in each storyboard cell that describes the character’s mindset or motivation at that moment. Blending visual and written elements helps reinforce understanding in multiple modalities.
Facilitate a class discussion comparing character journeys
Lead a sharing session where students discuss how their characters changed and what influenced those changes. Collaborative reflection builds communication skills and deeper literary appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Where the Red Fern Grows Summary
What is a plot diagram for Where the Red Fern Grows?
A plot diagram for Where the Red Fern Grows visually maps out the novel's major events, including the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution, helping students understand the story’s structure.
How can students create a visual plot diagram for Where the Red Fern Grows?
Students can create a visual plot diagram by dividing the story into key sections—Title, Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution—then illustrating each part with images and writing brief descriptions of important moments.
What are the main events to include in a Where the Red Fern Grows plot diagram?
Main events include Billy saving for his dogs (Exposition), the dogs becoming skilled hunters and winning a contest (Rising Action), the fight with the mountain lion (Climax), the deaths of Old Dan and Little Ann (Falling Action), and the appearance of the red fern (Resolution).
Why is creating a plot diagram helpful when teaching Where the Red Fern Grows?
Creating a plot diagram helps students visualize story structure, reinforce major events, and develop a deeper understanding of literary elements, making it easier for them to analyze and discuss the novel.
What tools or templates can teachers use to make a Where the Red Fern Grows plot diagram assignment?
Teachers can use storyboard templates, graphic organizers, or digital tools like Storyboard That to guide students in illustrating and describing each stage of the plot for Where the Red Fern Grows.
More Storyboard That Activities
Where the Red Fern Grows
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