In this activity, students should depict the characters of the story, paying close attention to the physical and character traits of both major and minor characters. Students should provide detailed information regarding how the characters interact with the main characters, as well as challenges the characters face.
Characters included in the character map are:
(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.
Invite students to share their character maps and discuss how each character’s traits and challenges connect to the story. This helps students deepen comprehension and strengthens speaking and listening skills.
Encourage students to identify similarities and differences between two or more characters using their maps. This activity promotes critical thinking and helps students make meaningful text-to-self and text-to-text connections.
Ask students to add images, colors, or symbols to their character maps that represent personality traits or key moments. Visual elements enhance memory and make character analysis more engaging for all learners.
Have students reflect on how characters change and relate these changes to their own lives. This step fosters empathy and helps students recognize growth in themselves and in literature.
Invite students to write a diary entry or letter from the point of view of a character. Creative writing activities demonstrate comprehension and allow students to express insights in unique ways.
A character map for The Birchbark House is a visual tool that helps students organize and understand key details about each character, including their physical traits, personalities, relationships, and the challenges they face throughout the story.
To create a character map for The Birchbark House, list the main and minor characters, select images or symbols to represent them, and fill in sections such as physical traits, character traits, how the character changes, and challenges faced. Use colors and backgrounds that reflect each character's role in the story.
Key characters to include are Omakayas, Nokomis, Deydey, Yellow Kettle, Angeline, Little Pinch, Neewo, Old Tallow, Fishtail, and Ten Snow. Both major and important minor characters help provide a full picture of the story's dynamics.
Students should note each character's physical and character traits, describe how the character changes over time, and explain the main challenges the character faces. Connections to the main characters and key events are also useful.
Creating a character map helps students deepen comprehension, track character development, and better understand relationships and conflicts within The Birchbark House. It also supports critical thinking and visual learning.