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. 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.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a character map for the characters in Inside Out and Back Again.
Student Instructions:
Enhance your classroom conversations by using character maps as visual aids during group work. Students reflect more deeply on character relationships and motivations when they can refer to their maps while discussing.
Divide students into small groups and assign each student a specific character to research and present. This strategy ensures all main and supporting characters are understood from multiple perspectives.
Set up a gallery walk where students display their character maps around the classroom. Peers can leave comments or questions on sticky notes, encouraging interactive learning and critical thinking.
Have students find and add direct quotes from the text to their character maps to support their analysis. This reinforces text evidence skills and deepens understanding of character development.
Ask students to write a short reflection on how their chosen character changed throughout the novel. This step synthesizes their visual mapping and discussion work into a personal, analytical response.
To create a character map for Inside Out and Back Again, identify the main and supporting characters, note their physical and personality traits, select images or drawings to represent them, and describe their relationships, challenges, and importance to the story.
The main characters in Inside Out and Back Again include Hà, her brothers, her mother, and other key figures from her journey. Focus on their roles, traits, and how they contribute to the plot.
Students should include character names, physical and personality traits, challenges faced, interactions with others, and the character’s importance to the story. Visuals and background scenes can enhance the map.
Creating a character map helps students visualize relationships, understand character development, and track how each character’s actions impact the story’s plot, improving comprehension and engagement.
Use colorful visuals, let students choose poses and backgrounds, and encourage creative descriptions. Connecting character traits to scenes from the book can make the activity more interactive and meaningful for grades 6–8.