As students read, a storyboard can serve as a helpful character reference log. This log (also called a character map) allows students to recall relevant information about important characters. With character mapping, students will record this information, helping them follow along and catch the subtleties which make reading more enjoyable!
Here is an example for Poppleton:
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a character map for the major characters.
Adapt character mapping so all students can participate, regardless of reading level or language ability. Offering scaffolds helps every learner succeed!
Provide simple sentence frames (e.g., “Poppleton is _____ because _____.”) to help students express ideas clearly. This supports emerging writers and English learners.
Allow students to select images or icons that match character appearances. This visual support makes mapping accessible for all learners.
Encourage students to work in mixed-ability pairs so they can discuss character traits and evidence together. Collaboration builds confidence and understanding.
Share a list of common character traits and key vocabulary to help students select accurate words. This reduces frustration and boosts independence.
A character map for Poppleton in Winter is a visual tool that helps students track important details about each character, including physical appearance, traits, and supporting evidence from the story.
Students can create a character map by listing major characters, choosing images or drawings to represent them, and filling in boxes for physical traits, character traits, and text evidence that supports their descriptions.
Character mapping helps young readers organize information, remember key details, and better understand character development and story events as they read.
For 2nd or 3rd graders, a character map should include character names, pictures, physical traits, personality traits, and evidence from the text that supports each trait.
Students can use quotes from the book, such as "Poppleton was proud of them" or "Winter always made Poppleton creative," to back up the traits they assign to each character.