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. With character mapping, students will record this information, helping them follow along and catch the subtleties which make reading more enjoyable!
Here is an example for Julian:
(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.
Boost teamwork by assigning students to small groups or pairs. Collaborative mapping encourages discussion, deeper analysis, and the sharing of different perspectives about each character.
Demonstrate selecting relevant quotes or passages that reveal a character’s personality. Show students how to connect specific text details to traits or motivations on their maps.
Assign colors to represent different aspects (like traits, appearance, or growth). Visual cues help students quickly identify information and make their character maps more engaging.
Invite students to share their maps with the class or in small groups. Discussion fosters critical thinking and helps students notice similarities and differences in interpretation.
A character map for 'The Stories Julian Tells' is a visual organizer that helps students track and describe important traits, appearances, and evidence about each major character in the book, making it easier to understand their actions and development.
To create a character map, identify the main characters, select images or symbols to represent them, and fill out sections for physical appearance, character traits, and evidence from the text. Using a storyboard can make this process interactive and organized.
Character mapping helps students follow the story more closely by organizing details about each character, allowing them to catch subtle changes and better remember key traits and evidence as they read.
A good character map should include each character's physical appearance, personality traits, and textual evidence that supports these descriptions, making it easier to analyze the story.
Julian is known for his wild imagination and his ability to learn from his mistakes, as shown by his creative explanations and personal growth throughout the book.