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!
You can click on this map and create a copy on your teacher account. Feel free to use it as is, or to edit it for the level of your class. Printing it as worksheets, for your students to complete while reading, is a fast and easy way to incorporate this character map into your classroom.
Here is an example for Hare:
Physical Appearance:
Character Traits:
Evidence
(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.
Engage students in teamwork by organizing a group activity where each team maps a different character from Tops and Bottoms. This increases participation and helps students learn from one another as they discuss character traits, evidence, and story details.
Designate specific tasks such as note-taker, illustrator, and presenter to ensure every student contributes. Clear roles help keep students focused and make collaboration more effective.
Distribute pre-made character map worksheets and offer access to the book, sticky notes, or digital devices for reference. Access to materials supports deeper discussion and accurate mapping.
Encourage students to find text evidence for each trait or detail they record. Prompting students to cite the story reinforces reading comprehension and critical thinking.
Invite each group to share their character map with the class and explain their choices. Class discussions and feedback build confidence, clarify misunderstandings, and foster a collaborative classroom culture.
A character map for Tops and Bottoms is a visual organizer that helps students track important details about the story's characters, such as their physical appearance, traits, and supporting evidence from the text.
To use a character map worksheet, print copies for students and have them fill in character names, choose images, and list traits, appearance, and textual evidence as they read. This supports comprehension and engagement with the story.
Character mapping helps 2nd and 3rd graders organize and remember details about each character, making it easier for them to follow the plot, discuss the story, and develop deeper reading comprehension skills.
Yes, you can edit the Tops and Bottoms character map to suit your class's reading level by simplifying prompts, adjusting the number of characters, or adding sentence starters to guide responses.
In Tops and Bottoms, Hare is described as clever, tricky, hardworking, poor, and sometimes gets into trouble, as shown by his past risky decisions and determination to provide for his family.