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 story, 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!
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Student Instructions
Create a character map for the major characters.
Encourage students to share their insights on Morrie’s core philosophies. Invite thoughtful responses by asking open-ended questions and allowing wait time for answers. This helps students connect personally with the themes.
Draft 3–5 questions focusing on why each character acts as they do. Encourage students to reference specific moments in the story, deepening their understanding of character development.
Establish ground rules for discussion, such as listening without interrupting and valuing each opinion. Model respectful dialogue so students feel safe to participate.
Select compelling quotes from Morrie or Mitch and ask students what these mean to them. This helps anchor the discussion in the text and supports evidence-based responses.
Ask each student to write a brief reflection on what lesson from Morrie resonated most with them and why. Collect these to assess understanding and foster personal connections to the material.
A character map for Tuesdays with Morrie is a graphic organizer that helps students track and analyze the main characters, their traits, physical appearances, and key quotes from the book, aiding comprehension and deeper understanding.
The main characters in Tuesdays with Morrie include Morrie Schwartz, Mitch Albom, Connie, Janine, Sabino-Albom, Charlotte Schwartz, and Ted Koppel. Each plays a significant role in the story and its themes.
Students can create a character map by listing each main character, selecting visual representations, adding backgrounds, and filling in sections for physical appearance, character traits, and notable quotes from the book.
Character mapping helps students remember details, understand relationships, and notice character development, making it easier to follow the plot and uncover subtle themes in novels like Tuesdays with Morrie.
Morrie Schwartz is often described as wise, compassionate, patient, and optimistic. Noting these traits in a character map helps students connect with his role and the story’s lessons.