Activity Overview
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.
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 storyboard that looks at how events are connected in The Tale of Despereaux.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Identify three events in the story that are related to one another.
- Describe each event and illustrate it.
- [Optional] Add a fourth cell describing how the events are connected and what their impact on the story is.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Event Analysis | Written explanation of the scene clearly and accurately explains the event and why it's important to the story. | Written explanation of the scene attempts to explain the event and why it's important to the story. Some explanations may be unclear. | Written explanation of the scenes fails to correctly explain the event and why it's important to the story. |
| Storyboard Scenes | Illustrations are clear and accurately depict the written descriptions. | Illustrations are someone clear and depict the written descriptions, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand or fail to capture a specific event in the text. | Illustrations do not accurately depict the written descriptions. |
| Effort and Editing | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. Spelling and grammar are correct. | Most of the sections of the storyboard were at least attempted and work is presentable. The text contains some errors in spelling and/or grammar. | Storyboard is unfinished and/or disorganized. The text contains many errors in spelling and/or grammar. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Event Analysis in The Tale of Despereaux
How can storyboards and worksheets enhance the comprehension and analysis of key events 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.
Are there specific storyboard or worksheet templates designed for analyzing and illustrating events in the story?
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.
What elements should be included in the storyboard cells or worksheets when examining events in "The Tale of Despereaux"?
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.
How to Analyze Climactic Events and Turning Points
Introduction to Climactic Events and Turning Points
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."
Modeling Analysis
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.
Guided Practice
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.
Group Sharing and Reflection
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.
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