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!
In this activity, students will create a character map of the characters in The Miracle Worker. They will pay 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.
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Due Date:
Objective:Create a character map for the major characters in The Miracle Worker.
Student Instructions
Boost student engagement by bringing your class together to share and compare their character maps. Encourage respectful discussion about each character’s traits, growth, and challenges to deepen understanding and build communication skills.
Promote ownership by letting students become ‘experts’ on a specific character. Have students prepare a brief oral presentation using their map as a visual aid and share unique insights with the class.
Foster collaboration by pairing students to review each other's character maps. Ask them to give one compliment and one suggestion for improvement, supporting critical thinking and positive classroom culture.
Make learning relatable by inviting students to link a character’s challenges or growth to something in their own lives. Have them write a short reflection or share aloud for a few minutes.
Celebrate student work by creating a gallery wall. Invite students to walk around and view each map, sparking new conversations and reinforcing learning through visual reminders.
A character map for The Miracle Worker is a visual organizer that helps students identify, describe, and track the key traits, challenges, and development of each character in the play, making it easier to understand their roles and relationships.
To create a character map, have students list major and minor characters, select images or icons to represent them, and fill in details about their physical traits, personality, challenges, and changes throughout the story. Tools like Storyboard That can make this activity engaging and interactive.
Character mapping helps students track important details and see how characters evolve, making it easier to follow the plot and understand the motivations and relationships that drive the story in The Miracle Worker.
Include physical attributes, personality traits, challenges faced, character changes, and each character's importance to the plot to create a comprehensive character map for The Miracle Worker.
Online tools like Storyboard That allow students to visually organize characters, add images, and fill in descriptive text, making the process of mapping characters from The Miracle Worker fun and effective.