Activity Overview
A common use for Storyboard That is to help students create a plot diagram of the events from a story. Not only is this a great way to teach 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 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, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Example “Seventh Grade” Plot Diagram
Exposition
Victor, a seventh grader living in Fresno, CA, arrives for his first day of school. He is excited to see Teresa, a girl he likes and hopes to impress.
Rising Action
Throughout the day, Victor talks to his friend Michael and attends his new classes. All day, he is distracted by the thought of seeing Teresa in French class. When French class finally arrives, Victor rashly claims that he can speak French and ends up speaking gibberish when his teacher asks for a demonstration. Victor feels humiliated in front of Teresa.
Climax
Victor’s agony comes to a head when he and Teresa are the last ones left with their teacher, Mr. Bueller. Teresa says she was impressed by Victor’s French, and it is clear she did not realize he had made it up. Victor waits in terror for Mr. Bueller to correct Teresa, but he does not.
Falling Action
Victor tells Teresa he knows just a little French from movies and books. Teresa takes an interest in him and suggests that they study French together.
Resolution
Victor decides that he likes Mr. Bueller and that seventh grade is going to be a good year.
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 "Seventh Grade".
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Separate the story into the 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.
- Write a description of each of the steps in the plot diagram.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plot Images | Cells include images that convey events in the corresponding stage of the plot. The images represent an important moment and exemplify the descriptions below them. | Cells include one or two images that convey events from an incorrect stage of the plot. Most images represent an important moment and exemplify the descriptions below them. | Cells include three or more images that convey events from an incorrect stage of the plot. Images depict minor and inimportant moments or do not reflect the descriptions below them. |
| Plot Text | The storyboard correctly identifies all six stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells correctly breaks down the plot events into appropriate stages. The text gives a logical overview of the plot and includes the most significant events of the book. | The storyboard misidentifies one or two stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells breaks down most of the plot events into appropriate stages. The text gives a logical overview of the plot, but may omit some significant events of the book. | The storyboard misidentifies three or more stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells does not correspond to the events of that stage. Overall plot description is not logical. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is exemplary. Text contains few or no mistakes. | Text contains some significant errors in spelling or grammar. | Text contains many errors in spelling or grammar. |
Activity Overview
A common use for Storyboard That is to help students create a plot diagram of the events from a story. Not only is this a great way to teach 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 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, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Example “Seventh Grade” Plot Diagram
Exposition
Victor, a seventh grader living in Fresno, CA, arrives for his first day of school. He is excited to see Teresa, a girl he likes and hopes to impress.
Rising Action
Throughout the day, Victor talks to his friend Michael and attends his new classes. All day, he is distracted by the thought of seeing Teresa in French class. When French class finally arrives, Victor rashly claims that he can speak French and ends up speaking gibberish when his teacher asks for a demonstration. Victor feels humiliated in front of Teresa.
Climax
Victor’s agony comes to a head when he and Teresa are the last ones left with their teacher, Mr. Bueller. Teresa says she was impressed by Victor’s French, and it is clear she did not realize he had made it up. Victor waits in terror for Mr. Bueller to correct Teresa, but he does not.
Falling Action
Victor tells Teresa he knows just a little French from movies and books. Teresa takes an interest in him and suggests that they study French together.
Resolution
Victor decides that he likes Mr. Bueller and that seventh grade is going to be a good year.
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 "Seventh Grade".
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Separate the story into the 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.
- Write a description of each of the steps in the plot diagram.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plot Images | Cells include images that convey events in the corresponding stage of the plot. The images represent an important moment and exemplify the descriptions below them. | Cells include one or two images that convey events from an incorrect stage of the plot. Most images represent an important moment and exemplify the descriptions below them. | Cells include three or more images that convey events from an incorrect stage of the plot. Images depict minor and inimportant moments or do not reflect the descriptions below them. |
| Plot Text | The storyboard correctly identifies all six stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells correctly breaks down the plot events into appropriate stages. The text gives a logical overview of the plot and includes the most significant events of the book. | The storyboard misidentifies one or two stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells breaks down most of the plot events into appropriate stages. The text gives a logical overview of the plot, but may omit some significant events of the book. | The storyboard misidentifies three or more stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells does not correspond to the events of that stage. Overall plot description is not logical. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is exemplary. Text contains few or no mistakes. | Text contains some significant errors in spelling or grammar. | Text contains many errors in spelling or grammar. |
How To Teach Plot Diagrams in Elementary School Using Short Stories
Introduction to Plot Diagrams
Begin the lesson with a discussion about the components of a story. Introduce the concept of a plot diagram, explaining each part - exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Use the whiteboard to draw and label a plot diagram, providing a clear visual reference for the students.
Reading "Seventh Grade"
Proceed by distributing copies of the story "Seventh Grade." Read the story together as a class, pausing at strategic points to identify and discuss how different sections of the story fit into the introduced plot diagram. This step helps students connect theoretical knowledge with a practical example.
Group Plot Diagram Creation
Divide the class into small groups and provide them with plot diagram templates. Each group works on filling out the plot diagram for "Seventh Grade," pinpointing the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Encourage the groups to use direct quotes from the story and draw scenes to visually represent different parts of the plot. This activity fosters collaborative learning and deepens their understanding of the story's structure.
Presentation and Discussion
Have each group present their plot diagram to the rest of the class. This step should be interactive, with other students asking questions or offering insights during the presentations. Conclude the lesson with a class discussion about how "Seventh Grade" adheres to the typical plot structure and what aspects make its plot captivating and relatable to the students.
Frequently Asked Questions about Seventh Grade Plot Diagram
How does Gary Soto use foreshadowing in the exposition and rising action of "Seventh Grade"?
Gary Soto skillfully employs foreshadowing in the exposition and rising action of "Seventh Grade" to hint at later developments in the story. In the exposition, Victor's nervousness and excitement about starting the seventh grade, coupled with his keen interest in Teresa, subtly set the stage for his subsequent actions. The rising action further builds on this by showing Victor's attempts to impress Teresa, such as when he scowls in a way he thinks is reminiscent of a movie star. These early behaviors and decisions foreshadow the pivotal French class scene, where Victor's efforts to appear sophisticated reach a climax. The use of foreshadowing in these sections not only enhances the narrative tension but also provides insight into Victor's character and his adolescent struggles, leading to a richer understanding of the story.
What role do secondary characters play in the development of the plot in "Seventh Grade"?
In "Seventh Grade," secondary characters play significant roles in advancing the plot and deepening the main themes. Characters like Teresa and Mr. Bueller are instrumental in shaping Victor's experiences and decisions. Teresa, as Victor's crush, is the primary motivation behind many of his actions. Her presence in the story drives Victor to go to great lengths to impress her, which is a central element of the plot. Mr. Bueller, the French teacher, serves as a catalyst in the story's climax. His interaction with Victor in the French class, where Victor pretends to know French, brings the main conflict to a head. These secondary characters are crucial in developing the plot and highlighting the themes of adolescence, identity, and the importance of being true to oneself.
Can the plot structure of "Seventh Grade" be considered traditional or unconventional, and why?
The plot structure of "Seventh Grade" can be considered traditional, as it follows the classic narrative arc of exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. The story begins by setting the scene and introducing characters in the exposition, followed by the rising action where Victor's efforts to impress Teresa escalate. The climax occurs in the French class, a turning point that shifts the story's direction. This is followed by the falling action, where Victor reflects on his actions, and the resolution ties up the story with Victor’s realization about honesty and being oneself. This traditional plot structure is effective in delivering a clear, focused narrative, making the story accessible and engaging, particularly for its young adult audience.
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