“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/new-kid-by-jerry-craft/character-map
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
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 New Kid, an excellent example of a graphic novel, 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.
Template and Class Instructions
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a character map for the major characters in New Kid.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Choose a Storyboard That character to represent each of the book characters. Note: be sure to select colors and a pose appropriate to story and character traits.
- Fill in Textables for "Physical/Character Traits", "How does this character change throughout the novel?", and "What challenges does this character face?"
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Character Map Template
Create a character map of the characters in the story. Put the character's name in the title boxes and choose a character and scene to represent each one. As you read, take notes on the characters by answering the questions.
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Picture & Scene | The characters and scenes are both appropriate for the book's characters. | Many of the characters and scenes match the book's characters. | More than half of the characters and scenes do not match the characters in the book. |
| Accuracy of Notes | Most of the information of the notes is correct. | Many of the notes have correct information, but some are incorrect or missing. | Less than half of the information of the notes is correct and relevant. |
| Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Most of the sections of the character map were at least attempted and work is presentable. | Character map is unfinished and/or disorganized. |
Lesson Plan Overview
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 New Kid, an excellent example of a graphic novel, 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.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a character map for the major characters in New Kid.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Choose a Storyboard That character to represent each of the book characters. Note: be sure to select colors and a pose appropriate to story and character traits.
- Fill in Textables for "Physical/Character Traits", "How does this character change throughout the novel?", and "What challenges does this character face?"
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Character Map Template
Create a character map of the characters in the story. Put the character's name in the title boxes and choose a character and scene to represent each one. As you read, take notes on the characters by answering the questions.
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Picture & Scene | The characters and scenes are both appropriate for the book's characters. | Many of the characters and scenes match the book's characters. | More than half of the characters and scenes do not match the characters in the book. |
| Accuracy of Notes | Most of the information of the notes is correct. | Many of the notes have correct information, but some are incorrect or missing. | Less than half of the information of the notes is correct and relevant. |
| Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Most of the sections of the character map were at least attempted and work is presentable. | Character map is unfinished and/or disorganized. |
How Tos about New Kid Characters: Who\'s Who?
1
Engage your class in a fun character interview activity
Boost student understanding by having them interview a character from New Kid. This creative exercise encourages deeper thinking and empathy.
2
Assign each student or group a character
Ensure variety by having students select or be assigned different characters. This prevents repetition and covers more of the cast.
3
Guide students to write 5–7 interview questions
Encourage thoughtful questions about the character’s experiences, feelings, and challenges. Remind students to connect questions to the story and character development.
4
Have students answer as their character
Promote creative thinking by asking students to write or role-play answers in the character’s voice. This helps them practice perspective-taking and text-based reasoning.
5
Host a class interview panel
Bring learning to life by having students present their interviews to the class. Consider having a Q&A session where classmates ask follow-up questions.
Frequently Asked Questions about New Kid Characters: Who\'s Who?
What is a character map and how can it help students understand 'New Kid'?
A character map is a graphic organizer that helps students track physical traits, character attributes, challenges, and changes for each character in 'New Kid.' This tool supports comprehension by visually mapping out relationships and key details, making it easier for students to analyze the graphic novel.
How do you create a character map for 'New Kid' using Storyboard That?
To create a character map for 'New Kid' on Storyboard That, start an assignment, choose a character to represent each book character, select fitting colors and poses, and fill in text boxes for physical traits, character changes, and the challenges each character faces.
What are the main character traits students should focus on in 'New Kid'?
Students should focus on physical attributes (like appearance), personality traits (such as kindness or resilience), challenges faced, and how each character changes throughout the story in 'New Kid.'
Why is it important to analyze both major and minor characters in 'New Kid'?
Analyzing both major and minor characters helps students understand the story's dynamics, character development, and plot progression. Each character, regardless of size, contributes to the overall message and themes of 'New Kid.'
What grade levels is the 'New Kid' character map activity best suited for?
The 'New Kid' character map activity is designed for grades 4–6, making it ideal for upper elementary and early middle school students who are developing their analytical and reading comprehension skills.
More Storyboard That Activities
New Kid
Testimonials
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/new-kid-by-jerry-craft/character-map
© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
