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 a completed example for Ruby:
Physical Appearance:
Character Traits:
Evidence:
"Wearing a clean dress and a bow in her hair."
"She was polite and she worked well at her desk."
(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 work in pairs or small groups to create character maps together. Collaboration encourages discussion and helps students learn from each other’s perspectives as they analyze characters in greater depth.
Designate specific roles—such as recorder, illustrator, and presenter—so every student is actively involved. This structure ensures all voices are heard and each student develops a sense of responsibility in the project.
Demonstrate how to find supporting details in the text and add them to the character map. Show students how using direct quotes or examples strengthens their understanding and analysis.
Have groups post their completed character maps around the classroom. Allow time for students to walk around, review others’ work, and leave positive feedback. This activity promotes peer learning and builds classroom community.
Lead a brief discussion about what students learned from working together. Encourage them to share new insights or strategies they discovered. Reflection helps reinforce both content and teamwork skills.
A character map for The Story of Ruby Bridges is a visual organizer that helps students track details about important characters, including their appearance, traits, and evidence from the text. It supports deeper comprehension and engagement.
To create a character map for Ruby Bridges, have students identify key characters, select images or drawings to represent them, and fill out sections for physical appearance, personality traits, and supporting evidence from the story.
Character mapping helps students recall important details, follow character development, and understand the story’s deeper themes. It encourages active reading and critical thinking skills in young learners.
Ruby Bridges is described as courageous, brave, smart, a leader, and polite. These traits are supported by story evidence, such as her calm demeanor and respectful behavior in challenging situations.
The best way is to guide students in creating individual or partner storyboards, where they select characters, choose scenes, and fill in text boxes for appearance, traits, and evidence. This visual activity makes comprehension interactive and memorable.