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 Kira-Kira.
Student Instructions:
Encourage students to track key moments in the story where characters change or learn important lessons. Use a simple chart or timeline to help students visualize how each character’s traits, actions, or relationships develop from the beginning to the end of the book.
Demonstrate how to find and cite specific passages from the book that reveal a character’s personality or growth. Show students how to use quotation marks and page numbers, and explain why supporting observations with text evidence makes their analysis stronger.
Organize small groups for students to share ideas about why characters make certain choices. Guide students to listen actively, ask clarifying questions, and respectfully challenge each other’s viewpoints for a richer understanding of character motivations.
Invite students to write a diary entry or letter from a character’s perspective, focusing on a crucial moment in the story. This helps students empathize with the character and demonstrate their understanding in a fun, imaginative way.
A character map is a visual organizer that helps students track and analyze the traits, relationships, and challenges of characters in a story. It encourages deeper understanding by highlighting each character's role and development throughout the plot.
To create a character map for Kira-Kira, students should identify main and supporting characters, use visuals to represent them, select appropriate colors and backgrounds, and fill in details about physical traits, character traits, relationships, and challenges faced by each character.
Character maps help middle school students organize their thoughts, improve reading comprehension, and make connections between characters and plot events, fostering critical thinking and engagement with the text.
Key elements include character names, physical and character traits, relationships with other characters, challenges faced or imposed, and the character's importance to the plot of Kira-Kira.
The best way is to provide clear instructions, allow students to choose visuals and details meaningful to them, and encourage creativity in representing each character’s traits and role in the story. This supports personalized learning and engagement.