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!
Catherine, Called Birdy Characters
- Catherine (Birdy)
- Mother
- Morwenna
- Father
- Perkin
- Aelis
- Uncle George
- Meg
- Shaggy Beard
Template and Class Instructions
(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.
- Identify the major characters in Catherine, Called Birdy and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character from the "Medieval" tab to represent each of the literary characters.
- Select colors and a pose appropriate to story and character traits.
- Choose a scene or background that makes sense for the character.
- Replace the bold words in the text boxes with the following categories for each character: Physical and Character Traits, How does this character interact with the main character, and Catherine's attitude toward this character. Write sentences or bullet points to provide details for each category.
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 all appropriate for the book's characters. They reflect strong understanding of the book's most important characters. | Most of the characters and scenes are appropriate for the book's characters. They reflect emerging understanding of the book's most important characters. | Many of the characters and scenes do not match the characters in the book. The project reflects a lack of understanding of the major characters. |
| 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. | Much of the information of the notes is incomplete and/or incorrect and irrelevant. |
| Effort and Editing | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. Spelling and grammar are correct. | Most of the sections of the character map were at least attempted and work is presentable. The text contains some errors in spelling and/or grammar. | Character map is unfinished and/or disorganized. The text contains many errors in spelling and/or grammar. |
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!
Catherine, Called Birdy Characters
- Catherine (Birdy)
- Mother
- Morwenna
- Father
- Perkin
- Aelis
- Uncle George
- Meg
- Shaggy Beard
Template and Class Instructions
(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.
- Identify the major characters in Catherine, Called Birdy and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character from the "Medieval" tab to represent each of the literary characters.
- Select colors and a pose appropriate to story and character traits.
- Choose a scene or background that makes sense for the character.
- Replace the bold words in the text boxes with the following categories for each character: Physical and Character Traits, How does this character interact with the main character, and Catherine's attitude toward this character. Write sentences or bullet points to provide details for each category.
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 all appropriate for the book's characters. They reflect strong understanding of the book's most important characters. | Most of the characters and scenes are appropriate for the book's characters. They reflect emerging understanding of the book's most important characters. | Many of the characters and scenes do not match the characters in the book. The project reflects a lack of understanding of the major characters. |
| 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. | Much of the information of the notes is incomplete and/or incorrect and irrelevant. |
| Effort and Editing | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. Spelling and grammar are correct. | Most of the sections of the character map were at least attempted and work is presentable. The text contains some errors in spelling and/or grammar. | Character map is unfinished and/or disorganized. The text contains many errors in spelling and/or grammar. |
How Tos about Catherine, Called Birdy Character Map
How to Facilitate a Meaningful Character Map Discussion in Class
Encourage students to share their character maps in small groups or pairs. Discussing the choices behind each detail helps students deepen their understanding of the characters, recognize different perspectives, and build speaking skills.
Model creating a character map before assigning the task
Demonstrate filling out a character map for one character using a think-aloud strategy. This shows students how to select details and categorize them, making expectations clear and lowering anxiety.
Assign character maps as a collaborative activity
Have students work in pairs or small groups to complete their maps. Collaboration encourages discussion, helps students catch details they might miss alone, and fosters teamwork.
Integrate visual elements for deeper engagement
Prompt students to add illustrations or symbols that represent each character. Visuals engage different learning styles and make character traits more memorable.
Connect character maps to personal experiences
Invite students to relate a character's traits or decisions to their own lives. Personal connections make reading more meaningful and help students empathize with the story.
Frequently Asked Questions about Catherine, Called Birdy Character Map
What is a character map for Catherine, Called Birdy?
A character map for Catherine, Called Birdy is a graphic organizer that helps students track and analyze key details about the novel’s main characters, such as their traits, relationships, and roles in the story.
How can students create a character map for Catherine, Called Birdy?
Students can create a character map by listing major characters’ names, selecting images or icons to represent them, and filling in details like physical traits, personality, relationships, and Catherine’s attitude toward them.
Why is character mapping useful when reading Catherine, Called Birdy?
Character mapping helps students remember character details, follow plot developments, and better understand subtle changes in relationships throughout the novel.
What are some key characters to include in a Catherine, Called Birdy character map?
Important characters to include are Catherine (Birdy), her mother, father, Morwenna, Perkin, Aelis, Uncle George, Meg, and Shaggy Beard.
What categories should be used in a Catherine, Called Birdy character map?
Include categories like Physical and Character Traits, How this character interacts with Catherine, and Catherine's attitude toward this character for each major character.
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