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 Beyond the Bright Sea, 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.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a character map for the major characters in Beyond the Bright Sea.
Student Instructions:
Invite students to work in small groups to discuss and compare their character maps. This promotes deeper understanding by allowing students to share insights and challenge each other's interpretations of the characters.
Designate specific roles, such as summarizer, illustrator, and trait tracker, to each student in a group. This encourages participation and ensures every student contributes meaningfully to the character map creation.
Require students to cite specific details from the text when describing character traits and changes. This practice strengthens text evidence skills and promotes accuracy in their character analysis.
Encourage students to use simple icons or drawings to represent key traits or changes in their character maps. Visual elements aid memory and make the maps more engaging for all learners.
Display finished character maps around the classroom and allow students to walk around and view each other's work. This activity celebrates creativity and exposes students to diverse perspectives on the novel's characters.
A character map in Beyond the Bright Sea is a visual tool that helps students organize information about each character, including their physical traits, personality, challenges, and how they change throughout the novel.
To create a character map, choose a representative character image, then fill out sections such as physical/character traits, how the character changes, and the challenges faced. Using a storyboard tool can help organize these details visually.
Making a character map helps students better understand character development and their importance to the plot, making it easier to track how major and minor characters grow and interact throughout the story.
Include physical attributes, character traits, the challenges each character faces or causes, and how each character changes over the course of the book.
The character map activity is best suited for grades 4-6, supporting developing readers in understanding literature more deeply.