As students read, a storyboard can serve as a helpful character reference log. This log (also called a character map) allows students to recall relevant information about important characters. When reading a novel, small attributes and details frequently become important as the plot progresses. With character mapping, students will record this information, helping them follow along and catch the subtleties which make reading more enjoyable!
In this activity, students will create a character map of the characters in Brown Girl Dreaming. They will pay 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 Brown Girl Dreaming.
Student Instructions:
Guide students to share and compare their character maps in small groups or pairs. Encourage them to highlight differences and similarities in their interpretations, fostering deeper understanding and critical thinking about the characters’ motivations and growth.
Ask students to relate character experiences to their own lives. Invite them to discuss or write about a time they faced a similar challenge or change, helping them build empathy and personal engagement with the novel.
Encourage students to cite quotes or passages when describing character traits and changes. Model how to find and record specific evidence, reinforcing close reading and analytical skills.
Have students create a diary entry or letter from their favorite character’s perspective. This imaginative task deepens comprehension and allows for creative expression while reinforcing insights from the character map.
Lead students to review their character maps at multiple points in the novel. Discuss how their understanding of each character has changed, helping them track development and themes throughout the story.
A character map in 'Brown Girl Dreaming' is a visual organizer that helps students track major and minor characters, their traits, challenges, and development throughout the novel, making it easier to understand the story.
To create a character map for 'Brown Girl Dreaming', list each character’s name, select a visual representation, and fill in details like physical and personality traits, character changes, and challenges faced, using a storyboard or chart.
Character mapping helps students recall key details, track character development, and recognize important plot points, which deepens comprehension and engagement when reading novels like 'Brown Girl Dreaming'.
Include physical attributes, personality traits, character changes, and the specific challenges each character faces or creates, focusing on how they contribute to the plot.
The 'Brown Girl Dreaming' character map activity is best suited for students in grades 4-6, supporting their developing literacy and analytical skills.