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!
Copying the assignment to your account will provide you with both the example above as well as a blank template to customize as desired. You may want them to look at additional information about each character!
Esperanza Rising Characters
- Esperanza
- Mama
- Papa
- Abuelita
- Hortensia
- Alfonso
- Miguel
- Isabel
- Marta
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 Esperanza Rising and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character from the "1900s" 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.
- Fill in the text boxes for Age and Physical Appearance, Personality, and Relationship with Esperanza.
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!
Copying the assignment to your account will provide you with both the example above as well as a blank template to customize as desired. You may want them to look at additional information about each character!
Esperanza Rising Characters
- Esperanza
- Mama
- Papa
- Abuelita
- Hortensia
- Alfonso
- Miguel
- Isabel
- Marta
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 Esperanza Rising and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character from the "1900s" 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.
- Fill in the text boxes for Age and Physical Appearance, Personality, and Relationship with Esperanza.
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 Character Map for Esperanza Rising
Incorporate Character Maps into Group Discussions for Deeper Novel Analysis
Use character maps as a springboard for group discussions about the novel. Assign students to small groups and have them share their character maps, comparing observations and details. This encourages collaboration and helps students notice character traits or relationships they might have missed on their own.
Assign discussion roles based on mapped characters
Have each student or pair take on the perspective of a specific character from their map during group discussions. This deepens engagement and prompts students to think critically about character motivations and actions.
Prompt students to cite map evidence in conversation
Encourage students to reference details from their character maps to support their ideas during discussions. This builds textual analysis skills and helps students ground their observations in the novel's details.
Use color coding to track character development
Ask students to use different colors on their maps to show how a character evolves throughout the story. For example, one color for traits at the beginning and another for changes by the end. This visual strategy helps students notice growth and turning points.
Wrap up with a group reflection on character relationships
Finish with a whole-class discussion where groups share how their mapped characters interact and change. This reflection reinforces understanding of character relationships and the novel's themes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Character Map for Esperanza Rising
What is a character map for Esperanza Rising?
A character map for Esperanza Rising is a graphic organizer that helps students visually track important characters, their traits, and relationships throughout the novel, making it easier to remember key details and understand the story.
How can I create a character map for Esperanza Rising in my classroom?
To create a character map, list the main characters in the novel, choose representative images or icons for each, and fill in details like age, physical appearance, personality traits, and their relationship with Esperanza. Templates or storyboard tools can make this process easier for students.
Which characters should be included in an Esperanza Rising character map?
Major characters to include are Esperanza, Mama, Papa, Abuelita, Hortensia, Alfonso, Miguel, Isabel, and Marta. Adding minor characters can provide deeper understanding as needed.
Why is character mapping helpful when reading Esperanza Rising?
Character mapping helps students recall key character details, track development, and understand relationships and plot nuances, improving comprehension and engagement with Esperanza Rising.
What information should students include in each section of the character map?
For each character, students should record age and physical appearance, personality traits, and relationship with Esperanza. This helps them analyze character roles and growth throughout the novel.
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