Activity Overview
An exceptional way to help your students follow a story is to have them track the events from it. Not only is this a great way to teach the parts of a plot, it also reinforces major events, which helps students develop greater understanding of how the events fit together to provide the overall structure of the story.
This example identifies six main events:
- Reuven tells Aaron to bring Zlateh to the butcher so the family will have enough money for Hanukkah.
- The family is devastated to lose Zlateh; they cry and say goodbye to her.
- On the way to the village, a massive snowstorm hits and Aaron loses his way.
- Aaron finds shelter in a haystack; he survives by milking and cuddling with Zlateh.
- Aaron and Zlateh have a stronger bond than ever, and Aaron vows never to give her up.
- On the fourth day, Aaron makes his way back home; his family is delighted about their return, and never consider taking Zlateh to the butcher shop again.
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
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write a the events of the story in each description box.
- Illustrate each event using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
---|---|---|---|
Events | Each of the cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or more cells are out of order. |
Images | Cells include images that accurately show events in the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Most images show the events of the story, but some are incorrect. | The images are unclear or do not make sense with the story. |
Descriptions | Descriptions match the images and show the change over time. | Descriptions do not always match the images or mention the importance of the event. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
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 very difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
An exceptional way to help your students follow a story is to have them track the events from it. Not only is this a great way to teach the parts of a plot, it also reinforces major events, which helps students develop greater understanding of how the events fit together to provide the overall structure of the story.
This example identifies six main events:
- Reuven tells Aaron to bring Zlateh to the butcher so the family will have enough money for Hanukkah.
- The family is devastated to lose Zlateh; they cry and say goodbye to her.
- On the way to the village, a massive snowstorm hits and Aaron loses his way.
- Aaron finds shelter in a haystack; he survives by milking and cuddling with Zlateh.
- Aaron and Zlateh have a stronger bond than ever, and Aaron vows never to give her up.
- On the fourth day, Aaron makes his way back home; his family is delighted about their return, and never consider taking Zlateh to the butcher shop again.
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
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write a the events of the story in each description box.
- Illustrate each event using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
---|---|---|---|
Events | Each of the cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or more cells are out of order. |
Images | Cells include images that accurately show events in the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Most images show the events of the story, but some are incorrect. | The images are unclear or do not make sense with the story. |
Descriptions | Descriptions match the images and show the change over time. | Descriptions do not always match the images or mention the importance of the event. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
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 very difficult to understand. |
How Tos about Sequencing Events in Zlateh the Goat
Create a visual timeline to map story events
Visual timelines help students see story sequence at a glance. Displaying key events using images and short descriptions makes it easier for all learners to follow and remember the plot.
Gather story events and assign each to a spot on the timeline
Ask students to list main events from the story, then place each one in order on a timeline. This reinforces their understanding of cause and effect in the narrative.
Incorporate drawings or digital images for each event
Have students illustrate each event with a drawing or find a matching digital image. Visuals make the timeline more engaging and support comprehension, especially for visual learners.
Encourage students to retell the story using their timeline
Invite students to present their timelines to the class. Retelling helps them internalize the sequence and strengthens oral language skills.
Display completed timelines in the classroom
Showcase finished timelines on a wall or bulletin board. This celebrates student work and provides a helpful reference for future lessons on sequencing or plot structure.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sequencing Events in Zlateh the Goat
What are the main events in 'Zlateh the Goat'?
The main events in 'Zlateh the Goat' include: Reuven asking Aaron to take Zlateh to the butcher, the family's emotional goodbye, Aaron getting caught in a snowstorm, finding shelter in a haystack with Zlateh, surviving together, and finally, Aaron and Zlateh returning home where the family decides to keep her.
How can I teach sequencing events using 'Zlateh the Goat' to my students?
To teach sequencing events with this story, have students list the story's key moments in order, discuss how each event connects to the next, and use visual timelines or storyboards to reinforce their understanding of plot structure.
What is a simple timeline activity for 'Zlateh the Goat'?
A simple timeline activity involves students writing or illustrating each major event from the story in sequence. They can use boxes or a digital tool to show the progression, helping them visualize how the plot unfolds.
Why is sequencing important when reading stories like 'Zlateh the Goat'?
Sequencing helps students understand story structure, improve comprehension, and make sense of how events lead to each other. This builds critical thinking and makes it easier for students to retell or analyze the story.
What grade level is sequencing 'Zlateh the Goat' best for?
The sequencing activity for 'Zlateh the Goat' is best suited for grades 4–5, as it reinforces plot development and reading comprehension skills appropriate for upper elementary students.
More Storyboard That Activities
Zlateh the Goat
This Activity is Part of Many Teacher Guides
- Hay Bale • Mary Trebilco • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
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