In this activity, students will choose an event, or a series of connected events, that play a key role in the plot. This example reveals how Despereaux was mistreated by his family and his community for being different. First, Furlough, Despereaux’s brother, notices Despereaux’s strange behavior and reports it to their father, Lester. After Lester sends Despereaux to the Mouse Council, the Head Mouse declares that Despereaux is a threat to the community and therefore sends him to the rats in the dungeon. Furlough is responsible for escorting Despereaux to the dungeon after sentencing.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that looks at how events are connected in The Tale of Despereaux.
Storyboards and worksheets are valuable tools for enhancing students' comprehension and analysis of key events in the novel. By visually representing events, students can engage with the narrative in a more interactive and structured way. Storyboards allow them to break down complex scenes into manageable parts, capturing details, character actions, and thematic elements. Worksheets provide a framework for organizing thoughts, facilitating critical thinking, and encouraging students to delve deeper into the events' significance. These visual aids not only promote a more comprehensive understanding of the story's events but also foster active learning and analytical skills.
While there may not be ready-made templates specifically tailored to "The Tale of Despereaux," educators and students can adapt existing storyboard and worksheet templates for event analysis. These templates typically include sections for describing the event, identifying the characters involved, noting their actions, and reflecting on the event's thematic implications. By customizing templates to suit the needs of the analysis, students can effectively structure their exploration of key events and extract meaningful insights from the narrative.
Storyboard cells or worksheets for event analysis should encompass essential elements. This includes a concise description of the event, specifying the characters involved and their roles. It should capture the sequence of actions, highlighting cause-and-effect relationships within the event. Additionally, students should consider the event's thematic relevance and how it contributes to character development or plot advancement. Including textual evidence or quotes related to the event helps support analysis. Ultimately, the goal is to create a visual and textual representation that not only describes the event but also provides a platform for deeper exploration and interpretation.
Begin the lesson by defining and explaining the concepts of climactic events and turning points in storytelling. Provide examples of climactic events and turning points from well-known stories or movies to illustrate their significance. Clarify the lesson's objective: to teach students how to identify and analyze climactic events and turning points in "The Tale of Despereaux."
Select a significant climactic event or turning point from "The Tale of Despereaux" (e.g., Despereaux's rescue of Princess Pea) and present it to the class. Model the process of analyzing the chosen event, focusing on its impact on the characters and plot. Discuss how the event marks a critical shift in the story's direction and character development. Encourage students to ask questions and participate in the analysis.
Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a different climactic event or turning point from the book. Provide excerpts or descriptions of the events for each group to work with. Instruct students to collaboratively analyze their assigned event, paying attention to its significance and how it changes the course of the story. Encourage them to consider the consequences of the event on characters' actions and motivations.
Have each group share their analysis of the climactic event or turning point they worked on. Lead a class discussion to compare and contrast the various events and their roles in the story. Encourage students to reflect on the storytelling techniques used by the author to build tension and create pivotal moments. Conclude the lesson by emphasizing the importance of recognizing climactic events and turning points in literature for a deeper understanding of narratives.