I made a new version of my embedded storyboard today (the idea originally came from Michele Whaley). With the old one, which was meant to include the most general/basic information at the top and then add more details moving down the columns, it was difficult to explain the problem and give the basic plot outline in just the three boxes across the top. With this new one, the problem, main events, and solution are all embedded.
In the first box of the first row, student should illustrate the problem in its most basic form. In the detail boxes to its right, students should draw illustrations that give more information about the problem. For example, BOX 1: The kid can't find his pencil. BOX 2: The kid is disorganized. BOX 3: The kid never has supplies for his math class.
The remaining rows work the same way, and the form allows space for three main events/locations and a solution.
Illustrate the form together, as a class if you want to get in more reps, and then have the students use it to do re-tells (written or oral). Its embedded nature allows them to re-tell the story with as much or as little detail as they feel comfortable. Students that are struggling and can really just give the story frame with target structures are able to do that, whereas students that are able to pump out loads of details have an outline to do that, too. Michele, you're brilliant.
Download the form for free here, or view some samples that my students made here. The form is available in French and Spanish.
