Rules by Cynthia Lord: Character Map Activity for Grades 4-6

Q: What is a character map and how do I use one for the book Rules?

A character map is a graphic organizer that helps students visually track details about characters in a story. For Rules by Cynthia Lord, use a character map to note each character's physical traits, personality, challenges, and development throughout the novel.

Q: How can students create a character map for Rules using Storyboard That?

To create a character map for Rules on Storyboard That, students select a character image for each book character, then fill in text boxes for physical traits , personality , challenges faced , and how the character changes during the story.

Q: What are examples of character traits to include for Catherine, David, and Jason in Rules?

For Catherine, include traits like caring and creative . For David, focus on literal-minded and innocent . For Jason, highlight determined and resourceful .

Q: Why is mapping character challenges important when teaching Rules?

Mapping character challenges helps students understand character motivations and growth. In Rules , it encourages empathy and deeper analysis of how each character's struggles influence the plot and relationships.

Q: What is the best way to help 4th-6th graders analyze major and minor characters in Rules?

The best way is to use character maps that prompt students to identify each character's key traits, challenges, and story role, making analysis accessible and engaging for grades 4–6.

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Lesson Plan Overview

Template and Class Instructions

Student Rubric

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 Rules, 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.

Characters in Rules

Catherine
David
Jason
Kristi
Ryan
Mom
Dad
Cinnamon & Nutmeg

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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 Rules.

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?"
Save and exit when you're finished

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 4-6

Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)

Type of Assignment Individual

Type of Activity: Character Map

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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.

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Lesson Plan Overview

Characters in Rules

Catherine
David
Jason
Kristi
Ryan
Mom
Dad
Cinnamon & Nutmeg

Copy Activity

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 Rules.

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?"
Save and exit when you're finished

More options

Copy This Storyboard

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 4-6

Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)

Type of Assignment Individual

Type of Activity: Character Map

Copy Activity

Student Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

Character Map Template

	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.

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How Tos about Rules Characters

Plan a Class Discussion Around Character Maps

Engage your students in a thoughtful conversation by organizing a class discussion about their character maps. Encourage participation to deepen understanding and allow everyone to share their perspectives about the characters in Rules.

Set Clear Expectations for Respectful Sharing

Remind students to listen actively and respect each other's ideas during the discussion. This creates a safe space where all voices are valued and learning is maximized.

Ask Open-Ended Questions to Guide Conversation

Pose questions like “How did Catherine’s challenges affect her actions?” or “Which character changed the most and why?” to prompt deeper thinking and discussion among students.

Highlight Connections Between Characters

Encourage students to identify relationships and compare character traits. This helps students see how characters influence each other and the plot, building stronger comprehension.

Wrap Up with Student Reflections

Invite students to share something new they learned or a surprising insight from their classmates. Reflection reinforces learning and gives everyone a chance to process what was discussed.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rules Characters

What is a character map and how do I use one for the book Rules?

A character map is a graphic organizer that helps students visually track details about characters in a story. For Rules by Cynthia Lord, use a character map to note each character's physical traits, personality, challenges, and development throughout the novel.

How can students create a character map for Rules using Storyboard That?

To create a character map for Rules on Storyboard That, students select a character image for each book character, then fill in text boxes for physical traits, personality, challenges faced, and how the character changes during the story.

What are examples of character traits to include for Catherine, David, and Jason in Rules?

For Catherine, include traits like caring and creative. For David, focus on literal-minded and innocent. For Jason, highlight determined and resourceful.

Why is mapping character challenges important when teaching Rules?

Mapping character challenges helps students understand character motivations and growth. In Rules, it encourages empathy and deeper analysis of how each character's struggles influence the plot and relationships.

What is the best way to help 4th-6th graders analyze major and minor characters in Rules?

The best way is to use character maps that prompt students to identify each character's key traits, challenges, and story role, making analysis accessible and engaging for grades 4–6.