Making a character map is a helpful activity for any story. In this activity, students can create a reference guide to the characters in the story and record each character’s physical appearance, character traits, challenges, and how they have changed throughout the story. This is a great activity for students to add on to each time they meet a new character or learn more about existing characters.
Here is an example:
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Student Instructions
Create a character map for the major characters.
Encourage students to share their character maps by organizing a gallery walk activity. This boosts engagement and helps students learn from each other's insights.
Place completed character maps on desks, tables, or walls so everyone can easily view them. This creates a visual showcase and sets the stage for active participation.
Give each student sticky notes or small papers so they can write positive feedback or questions about their classmates’ character maps as they walk around.
Instruct students to walk around the room, quietly observing and reading each character map. Encourage them to note interesting traits or thoughtful analysis.
After the gallery walk, bring the class together to discuss common themes, surprising character traits, or creative presentations. This reflection deepens understanding and builds community.
A character map for 'Stuart Little' is a visual organizer that helps students track details about the book’s major characters, including their physical traits, personalities, challenges, and how they change throughout the story.
To make a character map for 'Stuart Little,' students should list the main characters, represent them visually, and fill in sections for physical traits, personality, challenges, and changes over time. Using tools like Storyboard That can make this activity interactive and engaging.
For Stuart Little, include traits such as brave, resourceful, optimistic, caring, and determined. These qualities help students understand his actions and development in the story.
Creating a character map helps students better comprehend the story, remember character details, track character growth, and make connections between characters and events, enhancing overall reading comprehension.
The best way to introduce the character map activity is to model it with one character as a class, show examples, and explain each section clearly. Encourage students to update their maps as they learn more while reading.