Activity Overview
Summarizing a story in three parts is a great way to introduce plot structure and parts of a story to students in younger grades. In this activity, students will create a narrative storyboard that summarizes the story in three parts: the beginning, the middle, and the end. Their storyboard should include three cells. The beginning, which introduces the story and the problem; the middle, which showcases main events and the climax; and the end, which illustrates how the problem is resolved and the conclusion of the story.
To scaffold or tailor this activity, teachers may choose to add images or descriptions and have students fill in the blanks. Be sure to update the student instructions as necessary!
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 Beginning, Middle and End narrative storyboard that summarizes the story.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Separate the story into Beginning, Middle, and End.
- 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.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plot | Each of the three cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. Sentences accurately summarize each part. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or three cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that help to tell the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Some of the images help tell the story. Descriptions do not always match the images. | Images do not make sense with the story. |
| 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 Explain the Development of Various Concepts Throughout the Narrative
Create a Plot Structure
Ask the students to pick one story to analyze its plot. Considering the complexity of the plot, help the students pick a framework (the 5 step framework, plot diagram, or the BME summary) so that they can highlight the components of the structure present within the plot and further summarize it so that they can use it for analysis.
Track Character Development
Once the plot structure has been summarized with the help of a framework, students can analyze the development of various concepts present throughout the plot. One example is of character development. Students can analyze the behavior patterns, traits and motivations of the characters at each stage and analyze their progress and development.
Discuss Themes and Central Ideas
Another important component which students can analyze is the development of themes and central ideas present in the story. Students can discuss how these ideas help in the development of the overall narrative and even connect it with character development.
Engage in Class Discussions
To enable students to express their opinions on the concept's development and progress, promote class discussions. Pose open-ended inquiries that encourage thought and introspection. Talk about various viewpoints and interpretations. Teachers can also ask the students to participate in debates and learn how to back their points with logic and facts.
Connect and Relate
Connect the idea to instances or circumstances from actual life. Assist students in realizing the concept's significance outside of the narrative and motivate them to apply it to their own lives. Teachers can introduce various engaging activities for this process.
Recap and Summarize
Summarize the main ideas that have been discussed regarding the concept's development throughout the story. Stress the concept's influence on the story's overall meaning and message. Encourage the students to actively take notes and participate in class.
Frequently Asked Questions About Identifying and Analyzing Beginning, Middle, and End (BME) Structure for Novels and Stories
Can a BME structure change depending on the genre of the story?
Yes, different storytelling genres and styles can use different versions of the BME framework. Many stories have a linear BME structure, but other genres—like experimental fiction or nonlinear narratives—may have different arrangements for these sections. Depending on the understanding level of the students, teachers can introduce these advanced levels of BME structure.
How can students identify and analyze the middle of the story?
A story's midsection is identified by the way the storyline progresses, the level of action increases, and difficulties or conflicts are introduced. The main conflict deepens and characters may encounter difficulties as the narrative approaches its end.
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