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 six-cell storyboard containing the major parts of the plot diagram. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the book in sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
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 A Christmas Carol.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Separate the story into the Exposition, Conflict, 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 Effectively Explain the Concept of Narrative Arc
Describe the Concept
Start by describing how a narrative arc functions as a kind of story map. Similar to how we require a map to follow when traveling, stories have a framework that leads us from the start to the finish. Teachers can also break down the parts and explain them individually.
Use Examples
Give students instances of well-known tales they are likely to be familiar with. Describe the narrative arc that these stories adhere to. Mention how, in "A Christmas Carol," the rising action includes Scrooge visiting the past and the present, the climax is when he sees his own grave, the falling action deals with Scrooge doing his wrongs right, and the resolution depicts the characters living a better life.
Connect with Emotions
Describe how the story's arc contributes to the reader's feelings. We are intrigued and unsure of what will happen next as the suspense builds. We get an emotional high at the climax, and the satisfying conclusion makes us feel as though the story is over.
Practice Together
Pick a brief scene or even a basic story to help students understand the many components of the narrative arc. They are able to observe the notion in action thanks to the practical application.
Encourage Creativity
Encourage the students to develop their own story arcs through creative exercises. Discussing characters, locations, conflicts, and resolutions might be part of this exercise to teach children how to organize their own imaginative stories.
Frequently Asked Questions About A Christmas Carol Plot Diagram
What happens in "A Christmas Carol" at its climax?
The story's turning point is the climax. When Scrooge encounters the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come and sees his own headstone in "A Christmas Carol," the story's climax takes place. He is forced to face his gloomy destiny by this horrific vision. This is when he realizes that he needs to change his ways and help others.
What is the novella's falling action?
Following the climax, the subsequent action centers on Scrooge's response to what he has witnessed. Realizing the consequences of his actions on other people, he feels profound sorrow and remorse. He starts making atonement and changing his ways.
What is the resolution of the story?
Scrooge's total change is seen in the resolution. On Christmas morning, he awakens with a fresh sense of love and charity. As a result of making apologies to people he mistreated, especially Bob Cratchit and his family, he gains the respect of the neighborhood.
More Storyboard That Activities
Christmas Carol, A
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