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. With character mapping, students will record this information, helping them follow along and catch the subtleties which make reading more enjoyable!
You can click on this map and create a copy on your teacher account. Feel free to use it as is, or to edit it for the level of your class. Printing it as worksheets for your students to complete while reading is a fast and easy way to incorporate this character map into your classroom.
Here is an example for the Camel:
Physical Appearance
- first had no hump
- ends up with hump
Character Traits
- lived in middle of Howling Desert
- did not want to work; lazy
- ate sticks, thorns tamarisks, milkweed, prickles
Evidence
- "He lived in the middle of the Howling Desert because he did not want to work."
- "’That's your very own humph that you've brought upon your very own self by not working.’"
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 How the Camel Got His Hump 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 story and character traits.
- Choose a scene or background that makes sense for the character.
- Fill in the text boxes for Physical Traits, Character Traits, and Evidence.
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. With character mapping, students will record this information, helping them follow along and catch the subtleties which make reading more enjoyable!
You can click on this map and create a copy on your teacher account. Feel free to use it as is, or to edit it for the level of your class. Printing it as worksheets for your students to complete while reading is a fast and easy way to incorporate this character map into your classroom.
Here is an example for the Camel:
Physical Appearance
- first had no hump
- ends up with hump
Character Traits
- lived in middle of Howling Desert
- did not want to work; lazy
- ate sticks, thorns tamarisks, milkweed, prickles
Evidence
- "He lived in the middle of the Howling Desert because he did not want to work."
- "’That's your very own humph that you've brought upon your very own self by not working.’"
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 How the Camel Got His Hump 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 story and character traits.
- Choose a scene or background that makes sense for the character.
- Fill in the text boxes for Physical Traits, Character Traits, and Evidence.
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 How the Camel Got His Hump Character Mapping
Organize a collaborative character map activity
Divide your class into small groups and assign each group a different character from the story. This fosters teamwork while allowing students to explore diverse perspectives on the characters.
Provide clear character map templates
Distribute ready-to-use character map worksheets or digital templates to each group. Having a structured format helps students focus on key details rather than layout or design.
Set expectations for evidence gathering
Ask students to include direct quotes or specific examples from the text for each character trait or physical detail. This encourages close reading and supports comprehension.
Facilitate group presentations
Have each group present their character map to the class. This builds speaking confidence and allows students to learn from each other's insights.
Encourage reflection and revision
Invite students to reflect on feedback from presentations and update their character maps as needed. This step deepens understanding and models constructive revision.
Frequently Asked Questions about How the Camel Got His Hump Character Mapping
What is a character map and how does it help students understand 'How the Camel Got His Hump'?
A character map is a visual tool that helps students track important details about characters, such as appearance, traits, and evidence from the text. Using one for 'How the Camel Got His Hump' supports comprehension by making it easier to follow character development and story events.
How can I use a character map worksheet in my classroom for this story?
You can print character map worksheets for students to fill out as they read 'How the Camel Got His Hump.' This encourages active reading and helps students organize information about each character’s traits, actions, and changes throughout the story.
What are the main character traits of the camel in 'How the Camel Got His Hump'?
The camel is portrayed as lazy and unwilling to work, preferring to live alone in the desert. Over time, these traits lead to him receiving his hump, serving as a lesson about responsibility in the story.
What steps should students follow to create a character map for this book?
Students should identify the major characters, choose representative images or drawings, and fill in sections for physical traits, character traits, and supporting evidence from the text. Selecting relevant backgrounds and colors can also make the map more engaging and meaningful.
Why is character mapping especially useful for grade 2-3 readers?
Character mapping helps younger students in grades 2-3 organize story details visually, improving recall and making it easier to understand character motivations and plot changes as they read.
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How the Camel Got His Hump
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