Activity Overview
The Fantastic Mr. Fox book is perfect for practicing summarization, since it is short, but also contains many important plot elements. Students transitioning from summarizing short stories to summarizing lengthier chapter books will benefit from having to synthesize the short chapters of this book into an entire book summary. The storyboard format will help students practice being concise and thinking critically about the importance of events.
Consider having students plan their storyboard using a blank template, prior to creating the full storyboard online. Students should begin with the narrative in each box before adding character dialogue. This will allow them to focus on the purpose of summarizing and determine important events before getting distracted by the details of the storyboard. Students can also be given a set number of frames to use for the storyboard, to promote conciseness. After planning with a template, students can compare the important events they chose with a partner, and the class could discuss why different events in the story were included in the storyboard rather than others.
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 summary of Fantastic Mr. Fox.
- Pick two important events from the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
- Create an image for each event.
- Write a description of each event.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events | Each of the cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or more cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that accurately show events in the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Most images show the events of the story, but some are incorrect. | The images are unclear or do not make sense with the story. |
| Descriptions | Descriptions match the images and show the change over time. | Descriptions do not always match the images or mention the importance of the event. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| 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 very difficult to understand. |
How to Teach 'Fantastic Mr. Fox' Visual Summary to Students with Special Needs
Introduction and Simplification
Start by introducing the concept of a visual summary. Use simple, clear language and visual aids to explain. Show examples of visual summaries to provide a concrete understanding. Tailor the complexity of the task to the abilities of your students.
Reading and Identifying Key Elements
Read "Fantastic Mr. Fox" together in class, or use an audiobook for students with reading difficulties. Pause frequently to discuss and identify key events, characters, and themes. Use props, pictures, or tactile aids to help students with visual impairments or other learning challenges.
Creating the Visual Summary
Guide students in creating their visual summaries. Offer a range of options like drawing, using cut-out images, or digital tools, depending on each student's abilities and preferences. Provide templates or structured outlines for students who need more guidance.
Sharing and Discussing
Create a comfortable and supportive environment for students to share their visual summaries with the class. Encourage discussion about their work, focusing on their understanding and expression rather than accuracy. Use this as an opportunity for peer learning and building confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fantastic Mr. Fox Visual Summary
How detailed should a visual summary be?
The level of detail in a visual summary of "Fantastic Mr. Fox" can vary depending on the educational objectives and the students’ age group. Ideally, it should capture the essence of the story, including key plot points, major characters, and central themes. For younger students or in cases where the goal is to provide a general overview, the summary can be less detailed, focusing on the main events and characters. For older students or more in-depth analysis, additional details such as subtle plot nuances, character relationships, and thematic elements can be included. The balance is to provide enough visual information to convey the story without overwhelming the viewer. Simplified diagrams, basic sketches, or a series of panels can effectively communicate the story's progression, while more detailed artwork or intricate designs might suit advanced students or specific project goals.
How can the visual summary activity be adapted for students with special needs?
Adapting a visual summary activity for students with special needs requires considering various accommodations based on the students' individual requirements. For students with visual impairments, tactile learning materials, such as textured paper or relief images, can be helpful. Students with motor skill challenges might benefit from digital tools that simplify the drawing process or from templates that reduce the need for precise drawing. For those with learning difficulties, providing clear, step-by-step instructions and using storyboards with larger sections for each part of the story can make the task more manageable. It’s also helpful to allow these students to work at their own pace and offer one-on-one assistance as needed. Including verbal or written elements alongside visual ones can aid students who might struggle with purely visual tasks, ensuring that the activity is inclusive and accessible to all students.
How can a visual summary be structured to ensure a coherent retelling of the story?
To ensure that a visual summary of "Fantastic Mr. Fox" coherently retells the story, it should be structured in a logical sequence that follows the narrative arc of the book. Beginning with the introduction of characters and setting, progressing through the main conflicts or challenges, and concluding with the resolution is a typical structure. Students should be encouraged to identify and depict the key moments or turning points in the story. Using a storyboard format with sequential panels can be very effective, as it guides students to arrange their illustrations in an order that makes sense narratively. Each panel or section of the summary should ideally represent a specific part of the story, and students can use captions or brief text descriptions to clarify the visuals. Encouraging students to review the story's plot before starting can also help them plan their summary and ensure that they include all critical elements in their retelling.
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