“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 the story, paying close attention to the physical attributes, and the traits of both major and minor characters in Amina's Voice. They 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 characters in Amina's Voice.
Student Instructions:
Grade Level 6-8
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 the story, paying close attention to the physical attributes, and the traits of both major and minor characters in Amina's Voice. They 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 characters in Amina's Voice.
Student Instructions:
Grade Level 6-8
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. |
Boost student engagement by using character maps as a springboard for group discussions. Encourage each group to share their findings about different characters, fostering collaboration and critical thinking as students compare perspectives and interpretations.
Distribute tasks by having each student focus on a specific character or aspect (traits, challenges, relationships). Rotate roles so everyone contributes, ensuring active participation and multiple viewpoints are represented.
Require students to back up their character map entries with direct quotes or page numbers from the text. This reinforces close reading skills and helps students justify their interpretations.
Promote ongoing analysis by having students revisit and revise their character maps after key events. Highlight how characters grow or change, supporting dynamic understanding of the narrative.
Display student work around the classroom and allow students to explore each other's character maps. This activity celebrates creativity and introduces new insights from peers.
A character map is a visual organizer that helps students track and analyze the traits, relationships, and development of characters in a story. It typically includes details like physical attributes, personality traits, and the character's role in the plot.
To create a character map for Amina's Voice, list the main and supporting characters, choose visual representations for each, and fill in details about their traits, challenges, and relationships using a template or storyboard tool.
Include both major and minor characters in your Amina's Voice character map, such as Amina, her family members, friends, and other key figures who impact the story's events and themes.
Focus on physical traits, personality traits, how characters interact with others, the challenges they face, and their significance to the story's plot and message.
Creating a character map helps students better understand Amina's Voice by organizing information about each character, clarifying their motivations, and revealing how their actions influence the story's outcome.
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
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