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 Return to Sender, 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 Return to Sender.
Student Instructions:
Lead students in sharing their character maps and exploring how each character changes throughout the story. Encourage them to use evidence from the text to support their observations.
Ask students to identify similarities and differences between two characters. Use a Venn diagram or a simple chart to help them visualize character traits side by side.
Have students exchange their character maps with a partner. Each student should provide constructive feedback and suggest one way to make the map more detailed or insightful.
Invite students to write a short scene or diary entry from the perspective of a chosen character. This helps deepen empathy and understanding of character motivations.
Guide students to relate a character’s challenges or growth to something they or someone they know has experienced. This fosters personal connections and meaningful discussions.
A character map is a visual tool that helps students organize information about each character in a story. For Return to Sender, it supports comprehension by tracking traits, relationships, and challenges faced by characters throughout the novel.
To create a character map, have students identify major and minor characters, select images or icons to represent them, and fill in sections for physical traits, character traits, interactions, and challenges. This can be done using paper, digital tools, or platforms like Storyboard That.
Key components include character names, physical and personality traits, relationships with others, challenges each character faces, and their importance to the plot.
Analyzing character traits helps students better understand motivations, conflicts, and themes in Return to Sender, deepening their engagement and critical thinking about the story.
Encourage creativity by letting students choose images, colors, and backgrounds that fit each character. Use guiding questions, work in pairs, and discuss how each character’s challenges connect to the novel’s themes.