Activity Overview
Milkweed has many characters that Misha interacts with. In this activity, students can create a character map of the characters in the story. They should pay 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. Teachers may also want students to pay attention to how each character interacts with Misha on his journey from "Stopthief" to Jack.
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.
Student Instructions:
- Identify the major characters in Milkweed 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 character 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 main character?", 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
Milkweed has many characters that Misha interacts with. In this activity, students can create a character map of the characters in the story. They should pay 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. Teachers may also want students to pay attention to how each character interacts with Misha on his journey from "Stopthief" to Jack.
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.
Student Instructions:
- Identify the major characters in Milkweed 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 character 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 main character?", 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 Character Map for Milkweed
Integrate Character Maps into Daily Reading Activities
Boost comprehension by incorporating character maps into your daily or weekly reading routines. Encourage students to update their maps as they encounter new details, fostering active engagement and deeper understanding throughout the novel.
Model Creating a Character Map Together
Demonstrate how to create a character map by working through one example as a class. Use think-aloud strategies to show how to identify key traits, relationships, and challenges for a main character.
Encourage Peer Collaboration with Character Maps
Pair students or form small groups to discuss and compare their character maps. Facilitate conversations about differences in interpretation, helping students develop critical thinking and social skills.
Connect Character Maps to Writing Assignments
Use the completed character maps as planning tools for writing assignments. Guide students to reference their maps when crafting character analyses, diary entries, or creative stories related to the novel.
Assess Understanding with Character Map Presentations
Have students present their character maps to the class as a formative assessment. Encourage clear explanations of character traits, relationships, and personal growth using evidence from the text.
Frequently Asked Questions about Character Map for Milkweed
What is a character map for Milkweed?
A character map for Milkweed is a visual tool that helps students organize and analyze the main and minor characters in Jerry Spinelli's novel. It highlights each character’s physical traits, personality, relationships, and challenges within the story.
How do I create a character map for the book Milkweed?
To create a character map for Milkweed, list the major characters, select or draw images to represent them, and use sections to describe physical traits, character traits, how they interact with Misha, and the challenges they face. Tools like Storyboard That can help make this process easy and engaging for students.
What are some important character traits to include for Milkweed characters?
When mapping characters from Milkweed, focus on traits like bravery, innocence, resourcefulness, kindness, and adaptability. Also, note any character development or changes in relationships throughout the story.
Why is it helpful for students to make a character map for Milkweed?
Creating a character map helps students deepen comprehension by visually organizing character details, understanding relationships, and tracking how each character’s challenges influence the plot and Misha’s journey.
What challenges do the main characters face in Milkweed?
The main characters in Milkweed face challenges such as surviving the Holocaust, dealing with loss, hunger, and fear, and navigating complex relationships in a dangerous world. Mapping these challenges helps students connect with the story’s themes.
More Storyboard That Activities
Milkweed
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
