Sequencing the Plot Diagram with Middle and High School Students
Teaching the plot diagram to middle and high school students is valuable because it supports them with understanding story structures and deepening reading comprehension. Learning about narrative arcs can also help students write creative stories more cohesively. In today's post, we're excited to share a few of our favorite resources for sequencing the plot diagram in ELA lessons.
Analyze a book with a plot diagram graphic organizer
We love helping students summarize a book with this printable plot diagram graphic organizer! Students use the visual guide to write key details from the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Because it's designed to be adapted for any book study, it can be printed and used many times throughout the school year.
Introduce a tactile plot diagram card sorting activity
A hands-on, tactile way to review the plot diagram is this printable card sorting activity. Students will read three story summaries that have mixed up sections. Then, they will cut out and rearrange the parts of the story in the correct order. Finally, they will label the sections of the plot diagram.
This activity is perfect for promoting critical thinking and discussions with students!
Decorate your classroom with plot diagram vocabulary wall aids
Providing a visual anchor for plot diagram vocabulary terms will help students remember the terminology long-term.
Watch short films to dissect plot diagram sections
Students love the chance to watch short films in class, and there are tons of fun online options that cover a full narrative arc in 10 minutes or less. Providing students with a printable story map beforehand will make note taking easy as they watch the film.
Use highlighters and markers to color code a parts of the plot in a text
While you might not appreciate students marking up copies of your classroom books, it can be fun to have students use colorful highlighters to label sections of a printed short story. Before starting the activity, assign specific colors to each section of the plot diagram. (Ex. Red represents the climax.)
Use children's picture books to teach the plot diagram
You'll be shocked by how much middle and high school students enjoy hearing a picture book read aloud. (Make sure to pick one with a lot of humor or drama!) Because picture books are super short, they show an entire narrative arc concisely.
Challenge students to write a short story that incorporates all of the parts of a plot diagram
One of the best ways to learn how to recognize the plot diagram in literature is by practicing writing stories with all of the structures in a plot diagram.
Level up your lesson for advanced students by adding more technical structures to your lesson
If you feel like your students are fluent in the basic parts of the plot diagram, scaffold in more challenging concepts like subplots and foreshadowing.
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