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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/bud--not-buddy-by-christopher-paul-curtis/plot-diagram
Activity Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Rubric
Activity Overview Accordion Arrow

Activity Overview


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.



In this activity, students will demonstrate their understanding of the story’s sequence. Students should identify major turning points in the novel.

  • The first important decision Bud makes in the story is to escape from the Amos’ home.
  • Bud's next decision to ride the trains didn’t go as planned and Bud was left to find his way to Grand Rapids.
  • With some good luck, Bud is stopped by Lefty Lewis and receives a ride to Mr. Callaway’s band rehearsal. At this rehearsal, Bud claims that Mr. Calloway is his father.
  • The band takes Bud into their care and a short time later it is revealed that Mr. Calloway is not Bud’s father, but his grandfather.
  • Bud has finally found his “home” in his mother’s bedroom.

Template and Class Instructions Accordion Arrow

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 Bud, Not Buddy.


  1. Separate the story into the Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
  2. Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the story components.
  3. Write a description of each of the steps in the plot diagram.

Lesson Plan Reference

Switch to: Common CoreArizonaCaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIowaKansasMarylandMassachusettsNebraskaNew JerseyNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaPennsylvaniaTexasUtah

Rubric Accordion Arrow

Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)


Plot Diagram Rubric (Grades 5-8)
Proficient
33 Points
Emerging
25 Points
Beginning
17 Points
Design and Creative Elements
Creativity and imagery are used effectively (helps to tell the story). At least three Textables are included in plot diagram.
Creative elements (clipart) are somewhat distracting. At least two Textables throughout their plot diagram.
Creativity is minimally apparent, and the overall design shows a lack of effort. Clipart may be confusing and distract from the story. Student used one or fewer Textables.
Spelling and Grammar
Spelling within the Textables is mostly correct (fewer than eight errors). Grammar does not hinder understanding.
Spelling within textables is somewhat correct (fewer than 10 errors). Grammar may hinder some understanding or make reading difficult.
Spelling is mostly incorrect (10 or more errors). Grammar severely hinders understanding.
Plot Elements
There are three complete slides: one for beginning, one for the middle, and one for the end. Slides explain the work of prose and are easy to follow.
There are three cells, but one or two do not depict the correct element within the work of prose (e.g. the beginning is misplaced). Story is somewhat difficult to follow.
One or more cells is missing. Only one part of the plot is represented (e.g. only the beginning). Story is hard to follow.


Activity Overview


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.



In this activity, students will demonstrate their understanding of the story’s sequence. Students should identify major turning points in the novel.

  • The first important decision Bud makes in the story is to escape from the Amos’ home.
  • Bud's next decision to ride the trains didn’t go as planned and Bud was left to find his way to Grand Rapids.
  • With some good luck, Bud is stopped by Lefty Lewis and receives a ride to Mr. Callaway’s band rehearsal. At this rehearsal, Bud claims that Mr. Calloway is his father.
  • The band takes Bud into their care and a short time later it is revealed that Mr. Calloway is not Bud’s father, but his grandfather.
  • Bud has finally found his “home” in his mother’s bedroom.

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 Bud, Not Buddy.


  1. Separate the story into the Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
  2. Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the story components.
  3. Write a description of each of the steps in the plot diagram.

Lesson Plan Reference

Switch to: Common CoreArizonaCaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIowaKansasMarylandMassachusettsNebraskaNew JerseyNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaPennsylvaniaTexasUtah

Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)


Plot Diagram Rubric (Grades 5-8)
Proficient
33 Points
Emerging
25 Points
Beginning
17 Points
Design and Creative Elements
Creativity and imagery are used effectively (helps to tell the story). At least three Textables are included in plot diagram.
Creative elements (clipart) are somewhat distracting. At least two Textables throughout their plot diagram.
Creativity is minimally apparent, and the overall design shows a lack of effort. Clipart may be confusing and distract from the story. Student used one or fewer Textables.
Spelling and Grammar
Spelling within the Textables is mostly correct (fewer than eight errors). Grammar does not hinder understanding.
Spelling within textables is somewhat correct (fewer than 10 errors). Grammar may hinder some understanding or make reading difficult.
Spelling is mostly incorrect (10 or more errors). Grammar severely hinders understanding.
Plot Elements
There are three complete slides: one for beginning, one for the middle, and one for the end. Slides explain the work of prose and are easy to follow.
There are three cells, but one or two do not depict the correct element within the work of prose (e.g. the beginning is misplaced). Story is somewhat difficult to follow.
One or more cells is missing. Only one part of the plot is represented (e.g. only the beginning). Story is hard to follow.


How To Make a Plot Diagram on Storyboard That

1

Create an Account

Students can first create an account on Storyboard That under the supervision of their parents or their teachers. If there is a computer lab facility available in the school, teachers can help students open Storyboard That without using a log-in account.

2

Select a Blank Template

After logging in, students can select a blank template where they will be making the plot diagram. Teachers can recommend certain resolutions for the pages that are appropriate for the diagram.

3

Use Elements

From the options of elements in the dashboard, students can select a square and place six squares in sequence to the blank template each for exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

4

Add Summary

Next, the teachers can ask the students to add summaries of each part of the plot to the bottom of each square. Students should leave some space in the squares to add visuals and pictures.

5

Add Pictures

Teachers can recommend students to add pictures that reflect the summary of the plot to the squares or any elements they think would be the best visual depiction of the plot.

6

Download the Work

If students are not logged in with any account the teachers should recommend downloading their work so that they will not lose it. If they are logged in with their own account, it is up to them to download as the work will get saved automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bud, Not Buddy Plot Diagram

What is the summary of exposition in “Bud, Not Buddy”?

"Bud, Not Buddy"'s exposition explains the primary characters, the scene, and the opening conflict. It establishes the scene for the narrative and offers crucial context for the protagonist, Bud Caldwell, and his situation during the Great Depression.

What is the rising action of this story?

The core conflict in "Bud, Not Buddy" is developed through a sequence of events that make up the growing action. It is concentrated on Bud's search for his father, during which he faces numerous obstacles and interacts with significant figures.

Can different types of plot diagrams be used to analyze the story differently?

The analysis of "Bud, Not Buddy" can use a variety of plot diagram kinds. While some diagrams concentrate on the core components of the plot, others are more complex and incorporate extra components. The format that best matches their needs for analysis can be chosen by both teachers and students.

How can the plot diagram be used to help analyze the themes?

A plot diagram can help in locating the essential moments that contribute to the novel's themes by dissecting the story into its constituent parts. It makes it easier for readers to see how the plot's development supports the investigation of concepts like family, tenacity, and identity.




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