Character maps are a helpful way for students to keep track of characters, traits, motivations, and more while they read a story. In this activity, students will create a character map of the characters in Lily's Crossing. 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 Lily’s Crossing.
Student Instructions:
Prepare copies of student character maps and arrange students into small groups. This allows each student to share their character analysis and gain new perspectives from peers. Discussing character traits and plot connections as a group deepens understanding and helps students practice respectful listening and speaking skills.
Designate specific roles in each group, such as discussion leader, recorder, and presenter. Encouraging responsibility for a role helps students stay engaged and ensures everyone participates. Rotating roles for each session gives all students a chance to try different tasks.
Prompt students to compare how each character views major events in the story. Use guiding questions like “How would Lily react compared to Albert?” This activity develops empathy and critical thinking by exploring multiple viewpoints.
Invite each group to present their character map insights to the class. Encourage creative formats such as skits or posters. Presenting builds confidence and reinforces comprehension by teaching others.
A character map for Lily's Crossing is a visual organizer that helps students track and analyze the main and minor characters, their physical and personality traits, challenges, and how they develop throughout the novel.
To guide students, have them list major characters, select representative images or icons, and fill in details like physical traits, personality, challenges, and character growth, using provided templates or tools.
Creating a character map helps students deepen comprehension, visualize relationships, and remember key details about each character, making it easier to follow the plot and understand character development.
Include Lily's physical description, her personality traits such as bravery and curiosity, the challenges she faces during wartime, and how she changes by the end of the story.
The Lily's Crossing character map activity is best suited for grades 4 to 6, supporting developing readers as they analyze character traits and growth.