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 When You Trap a Tiger, 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.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a character map for the major characters in When You Trap a Tiger.
Student Instructions:
Facilitate a whole-class or small-group conversation using students' character maps as prompts. Encourage multiple perspectives by inviting students to share how they interpreted a character's actions or growth. This strategy helps students make deeper connections to the story and practice respectful discussion skills.
Ask students to look at two or more character maps and identify similarities and differences in each character's challenges, traits, and development. Guide them to consider how the characters' experiences shape their actions. This comparison activity builds analytical thinking and empathy.
Encourage students to add symbols, colors, or small drawings to their character maps to represent feelings, important moments, or changes. Visual cues help students remember key details and can make abstract ideas more concrete for younger learners.
Prompt students to think about when they've faced similar challenges or shown traits like the characters. Discuss how they might respond in similar situations. This step helps students put themselves in the characters' shoes and builds social-emotional skills.
A character map is a graphic organizer that helps students track and analyze characters’ traits, development, and roles in a story. It usually includes details like physical attributes, personality traits, changes throughout the plot, and key challenges faced by each character.
To create a character map for When You Trap a Tiger, choose a character, then note their physical and personality traits, describe how they change in the story, and list the main challenges they face. Using visual tools like Storyboard That can make this process engaging for students.
Analyzing character traits helps students deepen their comprehension, connect with the story, and understand how characters’ decisions drive the plot. It also builds empathy and critical thinking skills.
Use character maps to visually organize details, model analysis with think-alouds, and encourage students to support their ideas with evidence from the text. Incorporate creative activities like drawing or digital storyboards for engagement.
In When You Trap a Tiger, main characters face challenges such as family changes, cultural identity, and magical realism. Exploring these challenges through a character map helps students understand character motivation and growth.