“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
Character maps are a helpful tool for students to use as they're reading, although they can also be used after completing a book. In this activity, students will create a character map of the characters in A Single Shard, paying close attention to the physical attributes and the traits of both major and minor characters. Students can also provide detailed information regarding the challenges the character faces, the challenges the character imposes, and the importance of the character to the plot of the story.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a character map for the major characters in A Single Shard.
Student Instructions:
Grade Level 4-6
Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)
Type of Assignment Individual
Type of Activity: Character Map
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Picture & Scene | The characters and scenes are both appropriate for the book's characters. | Many of the characters and scenes match the book's characters. | More than half of the characters and scenes do not match the characters in the book. |
| Accuracy of Notes | Most of the information of the notes is correct. | Many of the notes have correct information, but some are incorrect or missing. | Less than half of the information of the notes is correct and relevant. |
| Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Most of the sections of the character map were at least attempted and work is presentable. | Character map is unfinished and/or disorganized. |
Character maps are a helpful tool for students to use as they're reading, although they can also be used after completing a book. In this activity, students will create a character map of the characters in A Single Shard, paying close attention to the physical attributes and the traits of both major and minor characters. Students can also provide detailed information regarding the challenges the character faces, the challenges the character imposes, and the importance of the character to the plot of the story.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a character map for the major characters in A Single Shard.
Student Instructions:
Grade Level 4-6
Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)
Type of Assignment Individual
Type of Activity: Character Map
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Picture & Scene | The characters and scenes are both appropriate for the book's characters. | Many of the characters and scenes match the book's characters. | More than half of the characters and scenes do not match the characters in the book. |
| Accuracy of Notes | Most of the information of the notes is correct. | Many of the notes have correct information, but some are incorrect or missing. | Less than half of the information of the notes is correct and relevant. |
| Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Most of the sections of the character map were at least attempted and work is presentable. | Character map is unfinished and/or disorganized. |
Foster collaboration by inviting students to share and compare their character maps in small groups or as a class. This encourages deeper thinking and helps students identify varying perspectives on each character’s traits and development.
Boost engagement by having students review a classmate’s character map and offer constructive feedback. Assign roles such as ‘Trait Checker’ or ‘Challenge Finder’ to guide their focus and make the process purposeful.
Reinforce learning by compiling common character traits and changes onto an anchor chart. Display this chart in your classroom as a reference during future novel studies or writing assignments.
Enhance creativity by allowing students to use digital platforms or apps (like Storyboard That) for their character maps. This taps into visual learning and makes sharing work easier during presentations.
A character map for 'A Single Shard' is a visual organizer that helps students track the physical and personality traits, changes, and challenges of each major and minor character in the novel. It supports understanding of how characters contribute to the story.
To help students create a character map, have them select a character representation, fill in details about physical traits, character changes, and challenges faced, and use color and pose to reflect character traits, as suggested in the activity instructions.
Analyzing character traits in 'A Single Shard' deepens students' comprehension by helping them understand motivations, growth, and the roles characters play in driving the plot and addressing major themes.
Characters in 'A Single Shard' face challenges such as poverty, physical hardship, and moral dilemmas. Documenting these helps students relate to the characters and understand the story's conflicts.
The best way is to incorporate character maps during or after reading, encourage individual reflection, and guide students to use textual evidence to support their observations, making learning interactive and analytical.
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher