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 Elmer Elevator:
Physical Appearance
- Young boy
- Wears rubber boots
Character Traits
- Brave
- Friendly
- Caring
- Imaginative
- Resourceful
- Smart
Evidence
- "One cold rainy day when my father was a little boy..."
- "My father thought of the cat and knew this wasn't true. But of course, he had too much sense to say so. One doesn't contradict a hungry tiger."
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 of My Father's Dragon.
- Identify the major characters in My Father's Dragon and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character 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 Physical Appearance, 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 Elmer Elevator:
Physical Appearance
- Young boy
- Wears rubber boots
Character Traits
- Brave
- Friendly
- Caring
- Imaginative
- Resourceful
- Smart
Evidence
- "One cold rainy day when my father was a little boy..."
- "My father thought of the cat and knew this wasn't true. But of course, he had too much sense to say so. One doesn't contradict a hungry tiger."
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 of My Father's Dragon.
- Identify the major characters in My Father's Dragon and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character 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 Physical Appearance, 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 Character Map for My Father\'s Dragon
Engage students with creative character map discussions
Initiate a lively classroom discussion about each character's traits and choices. Ask guiding questions and encourage students to share their observations, helping everyone gain deeper insights into the story and its characters.
Assign character map roles for collaborative learning
Divide students into small groups, giving each group a specific character to map. Let students collaborate on finding evidence and describing traits, building teamwork and ownership of their learning.
Incorporate drawing or art to personalize character maps
Encourage students to add drawings or choose images that reflect each character's appearance and personality. Artistic elements make character maps more memorable and engaging for visual learners.
Use exit tickets for quick character map check-ins
Have students write one new fact or insight about a character on an exit ticket after each reading session. Collect and review to monitor understanding and spark future discussions.
Review and revise character maps as the story progresses
Set aside time for students to update their maps when new character information is revealed. Revisiting their work helps students recognize character development and strengthens comprehension.
Frequently Asked Questions about Character Map for My Father\'s Dragon
What is a character map for My Father’s Dragon?
A character map for My Father’s Dragon is a visual organizer that helps students track key information about each character, including their physical appearance, traits, and supporting evidence from the story.
How do I use a character map worksheet in my classroom?
To use a character map worksheet, print copies for students to fill in as they read. Encourage them to note details about characters’ looks, personalities, and actions, supporting their notes with quotes or examples from My Father’s Dragon.
What are the benefits of character mapping for young readers?
Character mapping helps young readers improve comprehension by organizing character details, identifying traits, and making connections, which makes it easier to understand and enjoy the story.
Can I edit or customize the My Father’s Dragon character map for my class?
Yes, you can edit or customize the character map to fit your students’ grade level or specific needs. Adjust the prompts, colors, or examples to make the worksheet more engaging and relevant.
What are some tips for helping students identify character traits in My Father’s Dragon?
Encourage students to look for actions, dialogue, and descriptions that reveal character traits. Ask guiding questions like, “What does this character do?” or “How do others react to them?” to help them find textual evidence.
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