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 The One and Only Ivan. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Plot Diagram Example
Exposition: The Big Top Mall and Video Arcade is Ivan’s home. He and his friend Stella, an old and wise African elephant, have lived here for years, confined and used for the entertainment of humans. Stella’s health is declining, and being cooped up for so long is really taking its toll on Ivan.
Rising Action: When Mack buys Ruby, a baby elephant, to make the arcade more appealing for visitors, she and Stella form an instant bond. Stella’s foot infection gets worse and spreads, with little hope that Mack will do anything due to lack of money. Stella dies, and Ivan has promised to take care of Ruby.
Climax: Ivan works day and night to create pictures of Ruby in a zoo for the large billboard on the street. Julia and her father pick up on Ivan’s plan, and hang the pictures at night for all to see the next morning.
Falling Action: The billboard attracts the attention of many people, including protesters who think the confinement of the animals is unfair and cruel. People in white coats keep coming by, and train Ivan and Ruby to go into a box. Could these people be taking them to a better place?
Resolution: The Big Top Mall is closed down and the animals are all brought elsewhere. Bob goes to live with Julia and her dad, and Ivan and Ruby are taken to a wonderful zoo, where they are with their own kind and have plenty of space in the open air.
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 The One and Only Ivan.
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 to Use Visual Summarization for Peer Learning
Introduction to Visual Summarization
Explain the Concept: Begin by introducing what visual summarization entails — creating a visual representation of the key plot points of a story. Discuss the Plot: Review the major events in "The One and Only Ivan" to ensure that students have a clear understanding of the narrative. Highlight the beginning, middle, climax, and end of the story.
Creating Visual Summaries
Individual or Group Work: Depending on your class size and dynamics, assign students to work individually or in small groups to create their visual summaries. Creation Process: Students will use the provided materials to create their visual summaries. Encourage them to be creative and to focus on capturing the essence of the story’s plot and major events.
Gallery Walk and Peer Sharing
Display the Summaries: Arrange the completed visual summaries around the classroom, creating a gallery walk setup. Gallery Walk Activity: Allow students to walk around the room, view each other’s visual summaries, and discuss them. Provide sticky notes for students to write down questions, comments, or interesting observations about their peers' work.
Group Discussion and Reflection
Group Discussion: Bring the class together and facilitate a discussion about the activity. Encourage students to share what they learned from their peers' summaries, any new insights they gained about the book, and how this activity helped them understand the story better. Reflective Writing: Conclude the lesson with a reflective writing exercise. Ask students to write about their experience creating the visual summary, what they learned from their peers, and how peer learning contributed to their understanding of the book.
Frequently Asked Questions about The One and Only Ivan Visual Summary
How can students effectively represent the main themes of "The One and Only Ivan" in a visual summary?
Students can effectively represent the main themes of "The One and Only Ivan" in a visual summary by focusing on key symbols and scenes that encapsulate these themes. For the theme of freedom versus captivity, visuals might include contrasting images of Ivan's life in the mall with imaginings of the jungle, symbolizing his longing for freedom. To depict the power of friendship, students could illustrate pivotal moments of camaraderie and support among Ivan, Ruby, Stella, and Bob. Art and creativity, another significant theme, can be represented through visuals of Ivan’s paintings, highlighting how his art becomes a means of expression and change. Each theme can be accompanied by relevant quotes from the text, enhancing the connection between the visuals and the novel’s narrative. The use of color, texture, and composition in these visuals can further convey the emotional tone associated with each theme.
What is the purpose of creating a Visual Summary for "The One and Only Ivan"?
The purpose of creating a visual summary for "The One and Only Ivan" is multifaceted. Primarily, it serves as an engaging tool to help students synthesize and interpret the narrative in a creative and accessible manner. Visual summaries allow for a deeper exploration of the novel's key themes, characters, and plot points, aiding in better comprehension and retention of the story. This method of summarization caters to visual learners and offers an alternative to traditional text-based analysis, making the learning experience more inclusive. Additionally, it encourages students to express their understanding and perspectives on the novel creatively, fostering artistic skills and critical thinking. The activity also enhances students’ ability to communicate ideas visually, a valuable skill in both academic and real-world contexts.
How can visual summaries be adapted for different age groups or learning abilities?
Visual summaries for "The One and Only Ivan" can be adapted for different age groups and learning abilities by varying the complexity and nature of the task. For younger students or those requiring more guidance, the focus can be on simpler themes and more straightforward illustrations, using templates or guided activities. For older or more advanced students, the activity can include more nuanced themes and allow for greater independence and complexity in their artistic representations. For students with special educational needs, using tactile materials, simplified assignments, or incorporating digital tools can make the activity more accessible and engaging. Differentiation can also be achieved by allowing students to choose their mode of expression – some might prefer drawing, while others might gravitate towards collage or digital creation – ensuring that the activity caters to diverse interests and abilities. By adjusting the scope and format of the visual summary, educators can make the activity relevant and enriching for all students, regardless of age or learning style.
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