This lesson plan helps students map the plot structure of *Of Mice and Men* by John Steinbeck using a five-panel storyboard.
Subject: English Language Arts · Grade: 8–10 · Time: 30–45 minutes
Plot diagram
| Beat | Events | Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Exposition | George and Lennie arrive at a ranch in California. They share their dream of owning a farm. | 1 |
| Rising action | They meet Candy, Crooks and Curley's wife. Curley picks a fight with Lennie. Candy offers his savings for the dream farm. | 2–3 |
| Climax | Lennie accidentally kills Curley's wife in the barn while stroking her hair. He flees. | 5 |
| Falling action | Curley forms a lynch mob. George realizes what must be done. He finds Lennie at the clearing. | 5–6 |
| Resolution | George shoots Lennie mercifully while telling him about the dream farm. The dream dies. | 6 |
Activity: Plot diagram storyboard
- Open Storyboard Creator with a 5-panel layout
- Label each panel with the story beat
- Illustrate the key event for each beat
- Add captions with chapter numbers
- Export PDF or share a live link