Activity Overview
Dragonwings has several important characters who grow and change throughout the story. In this activity, students can create a character map of the characters in the story, 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.
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 Dragonwings.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Identify the characters in Dragonwings and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a Storyboard That character to represent each of the book characters. Note: be sure to select colors and a pose appropriate to story and character traits.
- Fill in Textables for "Physical/Character Traits", "How does this character change throughout the novel?", 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
Dragonwings has several important characters who grow and change throughout the story. In this activity, students can create a character map of the characters in the story, 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.
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 Dragonwings.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Identify the characters in Dragonwings and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a Storyboard That character to represent each of the book characters. Note: be sure to select colors and a pose appropriate to story and character traits.
- Fill in Textables for "Physical/Character Traits", "How does this character change throughout the novel?", 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 Dragonwings
Organize a classroom discussion about character motivations in Dragonwings
Encourage students to share their thoughts on why characters make certain choices in the story. Facilitate respectful conversation by asking open-ended questions and prompting students to provide evidence from the text. This helps deepen understanding and critical thinking.
Prepare discussion questions ahead of time
Write 3–5 specific questions about character motivations and changes. Examples: Why did Windrider make a risky choice? How did Moon Shadow’s feelings change? This keeps the discussion focused and productive.
Model respectful discussion behaviors
Demonstrate how to listen actively, build on others’ ideas, and disagree politely. Use sentence starters like 'I agree because...' or 'I see it differently because...'. This sets a positive tone for student participation.
Assign student roles to promote engagement
Give students roles such as discussion leader, note-taker, or summarizer. Rotating roles ensures everyone participates and practices different skills during the discussion.
Reflect together after the discussion
Ask students to share what they learned or how their thinking changed. Encourage brief written or verbal reflections to reinforce understanding and build confidence in expressing ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Characters in Dragonwings
What is a character map for Dragonwings and how do I create one?
A character map for Dragonwings is a visual organizer that helps students track major and minor characters’ traits, changes, and challenges. To create one, list each character, choose images or illustrations that fit their appearance and personality, and fill in details about their physical traits, character development, and the challenges they face throughout the story.
Which major characters should be included in a Dragonwings character map?
Include major characters like Moon Shadow, Windrider, and other key figures who significantly impact the plot. Focus on characters who undergo development or face important challenges in Dragonwings.
How do I identify character traits and changes in Dragonwings?
To identify character traits and changes, look for descriptions of each character’s appearance, actions, and dialogue. Track how their attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors evolve as they face obstacles or new experiences in the story.
What are some challenges faced by characters in Dragonwings?
Characters in Dragonwings face challenges such as adapting to a new culture, overcoming prejudice, pursuing dreams, and dealing with family struggles. Highlight these obstacles in your character map to show how they shape the characters’ growth.
What is the best way to use Storyboard That for creating a Dragonwings character map?
The best way is to use Storyboard That’s character templates, select colors and poses that match each character, and fill in labeled text boxes with details about physical traits, character changes, and challenges for each Dragonwings character.
More Storyboard That Activities
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