Activity Overview
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 a bildungsroman book like Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan, despite there being four separate stories, the characters are still bound by one thing: a harmonica. In this activity, students will create a character map of the characters in Echo, paying close attention to the physical attributes, and the traits of both major and minor characters. They 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 ask students to keep track of how the harmonica positively impacted their lives, and how it passed from one character to the next.
Characters from Echo
- Otto Messenger
- Eins
- Zwei
- Drei
- Friedrich Schmidt
- Elisabeth Schmidt
- Papa
- Uncle Gunter
- Mike Flannery
- Frankie Flannery
- Eunice Sturbridge
- Mr. Howard
- Ivy Maria Lopez
- Fernando Lopez
- Susan Ward
- Kenny Yamamoto
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 characters in Echo.
Student Instructions:
- Identify the main and supporting characters in the novel 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 the character's 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 other characters?", 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
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 a bildungsroman book like Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan, despite there being four separate stories, the characters are still bound by one thing: a harmonica. In this activity, students will create a character map of the characters in Echo, paying close attention to the physical attributes, and the traits of both major and minor characters. They 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 ask students to keep track of how the harmonica positively impacted their lives, and how it passed from one character to the next.
Characters from Echo
- Otto Messenger
- Eins
- Zwei
- Drei
- Friedrich Schmidt
- Elisabeth Schmidt
- Papa
- Uncle Gunter
- Mike Flannery
- Frankie Flannery
- Eunice Sturbridge
- Mr. Howard
- Ivy Maria Lopez
- Fernando Lopez
- Susan Ward
- Kenny Yamamoto
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 characters in Echo.
Student Instructions:
- Identify the main and supporting characters in the novel 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 the character's 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 other characters?", 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 Echo Character Map
Plan a collaborative character map activity for your class
Encourage students to work in small groups to create a character map on large chart paper or digitally. Collaboration sparks discussion and deeper analysis of each character's traits and relationships.
Assign roles for group members
Designate specific roles such as researcher, illustrator, writer, and presenter to each group member. This ensures everyone participates and contributes their strengths to the project.
Model how to analyze character connections
Demonstrate how to use evidence from the book to map out relationships and plot how the harmonica connects the characters. Show examples by referencing key scenes to help students understand what details to include.
Facilitate group discussions with guiding questions
Prompt students to discuss questions like, "How did the harmonica change this character?" or "What challenge did this character overcome?" Guiding questions drive deeper understanding and help students think critically.
Present and compare character maps as a class
Have each group share their character map and reasoning with the class. Comparing different perspectives fosters discussion and highlights the diversity of interpretations among students.
Frequently Asked Questions about Echo Character Map
What is a character map for the novel Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan?
A character map for Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan is a visual organizer that helps students track the main and supporting characters, their traits, relationships, challenges, and the role of the harmonica in their stories across the novel's four parts.
How do you create a character map for Echo in the classroom?
To create a character map for Echo, have students list main and minor characters, choose images or avatars for each, and fill in character traits, relationships, challenges faced, and the significance of the harmonica, using a template or storyboard tool.
Why is the harmonica important to the characters in Echo?
The harmonica is a unifying symbol in Echo, connecting the lives of all main characters by providing hope, resilience, and a sense of purpose as it passes from one person to another throughout the story.
What are some tips for teaching character analysis using Echo?
For teaching character analysis with Echo, encourage students to note physical traits, motivations, character interactions, and transformations. Use graphic organizers and discuss how each character's journey is shaped by external and internal challenges.
Which characters should be included in an Echo character map for middle school?
An Echo character map for grades 6-8 should include Otto, Friedrich Schmidt, Elisabeth Schmidt, Mike and Frankie Flannery, Ivy Lopez, and other key figures like Uncle Gunter and Eunice Sturbridge to capture all storylines.
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