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 Other Words for Home, 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 Other Words for Home.
Student Instructions:
Invite your class to form small groups and share their character maps with peers. Encourage each student to explain their choices for traits and challenges, and ask questions to spark deeper thinking. This collaborative approach helps students see multiple perspectives and strengthens their understanding of character development.
Direct students to locate specific quotes or passages from the text that support each character trait they’ve identified. Model how to cite the page number and briefly explain how the evidence connects to the trait. This builds critical reading skills and supports text-based analysis.
Ask students to write a short diary entry from the perspective of one of the characters. Prompt them to use details from their character map to inform the voice and emotions in the diary. This extension boosts empathy and writing engagement.
Showcase student work by posting completed character maps on a bulletin board or wall. Encourage students to browse their classmates’ maps and leave positive feedback or questions on sticky notes. This fosters a community of readers and celebrates student effort.
A character map for Other Words for Home is a visual tool that helps students organize and analyze the traits, roles, and challenges of both major and minor characters in Jasmine Warga's novel.
To create a character map, list the main and supporting characters, choose visual representations for each, and fill out sections for physical and character traits, their interactions, and the challenges they face using tools like Storyboard That.
Character maps help students better understand relationships, character development, and plot by visually organizing key details about each character in the story, making comprehension easier.
Include character names, physical and personality traits, their role in the story, how they interact with others, and any major challenges or conflicts each character experiences.
Encourage students to look for actions, dialogue, and reactions in the text, and use guiding questions to help them infer both physical and personality traits of each character.