Activity Overview
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 novel, 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!
In this activity, students will create a character map of the characters in All American Boys. They will pay 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. Teachers may also wish to include additional information for students to keep track of.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a character map for the major characters in All American Boys.
Student Instructions:
- Identify the major characters in All American Boys and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a Storyboard That character to represent each of the book characters.
- Select colors and a pose appropriate to the story and character traits.
- Choose a scene or background that makes sense for the character.
- Fill in Textables for "Physical/Character Traits", "How does this character interact with the main character?", and "What challenges does this character face?"
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Picture & Scene | The characters and scenes are both appropriate for the book's characters. | Many of the characters and scenes match the book's characters. | More than half of the characters and scenes do not match the characters in the book. |
| Accuracy of Notes | Most of the information of the notes is correct. | Many of the notes have correct information, but some are incorrect or missing. | Less than half of the information of the notes is correct and relevant. |
| Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Most of the sections of the character map were at least attempted and work is presentable. | Character map is unfinished and/or disorganized. |
Activity Overview
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 novel, 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!
In this activity, students will create a character map of the characters in All American Boys. They will pay 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. Teachers may also wish to include additional information for students to keep track of.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a character map for the major characters in All American Boys.
Student Instructions:
- Identify the major characters in All American Boys and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a Storyboard That character to represent each of the book characters.
- Select colors and a pose appropriate to the story and character traits.
- Choose a scene or background that makes sense for the character.
- Fill in Textables for "Physical/Character Traits", "How does this character interact with the main character?", and "What challenges does this character face?"
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Picture & Scene | The characters and scenes are both appropriate for the book's characters. | Many of the characters and scenes match the book's characters. | More than half of the characters and scenes do not match the characters in the book. |
| Accuracy of Notes | Most of the information of the notes is correct. | Many of the notes have correct information, but some are incorrect or missing. | Less than half of the information of the notes is correct and relevant. |
| Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Most of the sections of the character map were at least attempted and work is presentable. | Character map is unfinished and/or disorganized. |
How Tos about Characters in All American Boys
How to guide students in making meaningful character connections
Encourage students to relate characters to their own lives or current events. Making personal connections deepens their understanding and empathy, helping them better analyze character motivations and actions.
Model how to use text evidence when describing characters
Demonstrate how to pull specific quotes or details from the novel to support character traits. This helps students justify their observations and builds critical reading skills.
Prompt students to discuss character changes over time
Ask students to track how a character evolves from the beginning to the end of the story. This encourages deeper analysis and helps them understand character development.
Facilitate small group discussions about character perspectives
Organize students into groups to compare how different characters view key events. Collaborative talk fosters multiple viewpoints and strengthens comprehension.
Incorporate creative activities for character exploration
Assign students to create diary entries, social media posts, or illustrations from a character’s point of view. Creative expression makes character study engaging and memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Characters in All American Boys
What is a character map for All American Boys?
A character map for All American Boys is a visual tool that helps students organize key information about each character, such as traits, relationships, and challenges, to better understand how they contribute to the story.
How do I create a character map for a novel in my classroom?
To create a character map, list each major character, select images or symbols to represent them, and fill in details like physical/character traits, relationships, and conflicts. Tools like Storyboard That can help visualize and organize this information.
Which characters should students include in an All American Boys character map?
Students should include major characters like Rashad Butler and Quinn Collins, as well as important minor characters who influence the plot, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the novel’s dynamics.
What information should be added to each character in the map?
Include each character’s physical/character traits, their interactions with the main characters, significant challenges faced, and their importance to the plot. Adding visuals or relevant backgrounds enhances engagement.
Why is character mapping effective for understanding All American Boys?
Character mapping helps students track details and relationships, making it easier to follow plot developments and analyze character motivations, which deepens comprehension and engagement with the novel.
More Storyboard That Activities
All American Boys
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