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 this activity, students will create a character map of the characters in Other Words for Home, 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.
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 Other Words for Home.
Student Instructions:
- Identify the main and supporting characters in Other Words for Home 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 this activity, students will create a character map of the characters in Other Words for Home, 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.
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 Other Words for Home.
Student Instructions:
- Identify the main and supporting characters in Other Words for Home 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 Characters in Other Words for Home
Engage students in a character map discussion circle
Invite your class to form small groups and share their character maps with peers. Encourage each student to explain their choices for traits and challenges, and ask questions to spark deeper thinking. This collaborative approach helps students see multiple perspectives and strengthens their understanding of character development.
Guide students to use textual evidence for character traits
Direct students to locate specific quotes or passages from the text that support each character trait they’ve identified. Model how to cite the page number and briefly explain how the evidence connects to the trait. This builds critical reading skills and supports text-based analysis.
Encourage creative extensions with character diaries
Ask students to write a short diary entry from the perspective of one of the characters. Prompt them to use details from their character map to inform the voice and emotions in the diary. This extension boosts empathy and writing engagement.
Display character maps around the classroom
Showcase student work by posting completed character maps on a bulletin board or wall. Encourage students to browse their classmates’ maps and leave positive feedback or questions on sticky notes. This fosters a community of readers and celebrates student effort.
Frequently Asked Questions about Characters in Other Words for Home
What is a character map for 'Other Words for Home'?
A character map for Other Words for Home is a visual tool that helps students organize and analyze the traits, roles, and challenges of both major and minor characters in Jasmine Warga's novel.
How do I create a character map for 'Other Words for Home'?
To create a character map, list the main and supporting characters, choose visual representations for each, and fill out sections for physical and character traits, their interactions, and the challenges they face using tools like Storyboard That.
Why are character maps helpful when teaching 'Other Words for Home'?
Character maps help students better understand relationships, character development, and plot by visually organizing key details about each character in the story, making comprehension easier.
What should be included in a character map for this novel?
Include character names, physical and personality traits, their role in the story, how they interact with others, and any major challenges or conflicts each character experiences.
What are the best tips for helping students identify character traits in 'Other Words for Home'?
Encourage students to look for actions, dialogue, and reactions in the text, and use guiding questions to help them infer both physical and personality traits of each character.
More Storyboard That Activities
Other Words for Home
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