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. When reading a novel, small attributes and details frequently become important as the plot progresses. With character mapping, students will record this information, helping them follow along and catch the subtleties which make reading more enjoyable!
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Student Instructions
Create a character map for the major characters.
Boost students’ understanding by using character maps as a central tool during a novel study. Character maps help students visualize relationships, track changes, and deepen comprehension as they read.
Demonstrate the process by projecting a blank character map and filling it out together using details from the first chapters. Think aloud as you decide what traits or information to include, helping students grasp what to look for.
Encourage students to update their character maps after each reading session. This ongoing task keeps key details fresh and helps reinforce character development throughout the novel.
Invite students to share their character maps in small groups or as a class. Use these maps to spark rich discussions about character motivations, relationships, and changes over time.
Ask students to write a brief reflection on what they learned about the characters from their maps. This activity helps you gauge comprehension and encourages thoughtful analysis.
A character map is a visual organizer that helps students track key traits, relationships, and developments for each character in a story. For The Graveyard Book, using a character map enables students to understand character roles, how they interact, and their significance in the novel.
Teachers can guide students to identify major characters, select images or symbols to represent them, and fill in sections for character traits, interactions with the protagonist, and the narrator's perspective. This can be done individually, with partners, or in groups for collaborative learning.
Key traits for Nobody Owens might include curiosity, bravery, kindness, and adaptability. Students should also note his sense of belonging, his growth throughout the story, and his unique upbringing in the graveyard.
Character mapping helps middle school students organize complex information, recall details, and recognize subtle character developments. It enhances comprehension, engagement, and the ability to analyze literary elements.
Students should list character traits, describe how each character interacts with the main character, and explain the narrator’s attitude toward them. Adding relevant scenes or backgrounds can deepen understanding.