Activity 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 The Poet X, 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.
The Poet X Main Characters
- Xiomara Batista
- Twin
- Mami
- Papi
- Aman
- Father Sean
- Ms. Galiano
- Caridad
- Cody
- Isabelle
- Stephan
- Chris
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 characters in The Poet X.
Student Instructions:
- Identify the main and supporting characters in The Poet X and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a Storyboard That character to represent each of the book characters.
- Select colors and a pose appropriate to the story and the character's traits.
- Choose a scene or background that makes sense for the character.
- Fill in Textables for "Physical/Character Traits", "How does this character interact with the other characters?", and "What challenges does this character face?"
Lesson Plan Reference
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/4/3] Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character's thoughts, words, or actions).
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/5/3] Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| 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. |
How To Understand Human Nature Through Reading
Discuss the Actions of a Character
First, lead a whole class discussion about a character in a specific scene in the book. Narrowing your focus to one scene will help students to better analyze what they are reading.
Describe Character's Physical and Personality Traits
Guide students to describe the character's physical and personality traits. These specific details will help students to understand who the person truly is.
Explain How Character Interacts With Others
Another important element of characterization is noting how characters interact with others in the story. Students can learn a lot about who is challenged, who imposes challenges on others, and the lessons these characters learn. The lessons can then be applied to real life situations.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Poet X Characters
Why is characterization so important to a story?
Characterization involves writing down traits of different characters, showing how they relate to other characters in the story, and finding out what makes them tick. If you don't understand who the characters are, it is very difficult to understand what motivates them or why they story unfolds the way it does.
What lessons can characters teach the reader?
Reading teaches empathy to students, and as they see the actions unfold with the characters, they can see how actions have consequences. Readers can "learn from the mistakes" of characters, rather than having to learn the hard way themselves.
How do challenges relate to characters?
Characters experience challenges throughout a story, and it is these conflicts that move the story along. They also impose challenges on other characters in the book. These challenges are important in understanding the theme of the book.
More Storyboard That Activities
Poet X, The
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