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!
Here is an example for Sarah:
Physical Appearance
- plain
- tall
- brown hair
- sometimes wear a yellow bonnet
- hair in bun
Character Traits
- not mild-mannered
- caring
- sly
- nurturing
Evidence
- "She reached up and took off her yellow bonnet, smoothing back her brown hair into a bun. She was plain and tall."
- "Sarah is Sarah. She does things her way, you know."
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 storyboard that shows each character in Sarah, Plain and Tall and describes important features and traits of the character.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Identify important characters for the novel and find characters to represent them.
- Describe the appearance of the character and important traits in the first two boxes.
- Provide a quote or quotes to back up your decisions in the third box.
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. With character mapping, students will record this information, helping them follow along and catch the subtleties which make reading more enjoyable!
Here is an example for Sarah:
Physical Appearance
- plain
- tall
- brown hair
- sometimes wear a yellow bonnet
- hair in bun
Character Traits
- not mild-mannered
- caring
- sly
- nurturing
Evidence
- "She reached up and took off her yellow bonnet, smoothing back her brown hair into a bun. She was plain and tall."
- "Sarah is Sarah. She does things her way, you know."
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 storyboard that shows each character in Sarah, Plain and Tall and describes important features and traits of the character.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Identify important characters for the novel and find characters to represent them.
- Describe the appearance of the character and important traits in the first two boxes.
- Provide a quote or quotes to back up your decisions in the third box.
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 Activity for Sarah Plain and Tall
How can I adapt a character map activity for students with different reading levels?
Differentiate character map templates by providing more scaffolding, such as sentence starters or word banks, for students who need extra support. Offer open-ended boxes for advanced readers to elaborate on character traits and evidence. This ensures all students can participate meaningfully and successfully.
Model how to fill out a character map using a familiar character.
Choose a well-known character from another book or a class favorite. Demonstrate each section—appearance, traits, and evidence—by thinking aloud and writing answers together. This helps students see the process in action before they try it independently.
Assign partners to discuss character traits before completing their maps.
Pair up students to talk about what they notice about each character. Encouraging discussion helps students clarify their thoughts and notice details they may have missed on their own.
Display finished character maps for class reference.
Hang character maps on a bulletin board or create a digital gallery. This provides an ongoing visual aid and encourages students to refer back during discussions or later activities.
Invite students to update their character maps as the story progresses.
Encourage students to revisit and revise their maps when new information is revealed about characters. This reinforces close reading skills and models that understanding characters is an evolving process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Character Map Activity for Sarah Plain and Tall
What is a character map activity for 'Sarah, Plain and Tall'?
A character map activity for 'Sarah, Plain and Tall' is an exercise where students create a visual log or storyboard to track key details about each character, such as their appearance, traits, and supporting evidence from the text.
How do I create a character map for 'Sarah, Plain and Tall'?
To create a character map, use the provided template, list important characters, describe their appearances and traits, and include supporting quotes from the novel. This helps students understand and remember character details.
Why use character mapping when teaching 'Sarah, Plain and Tall'?
Character mapping helps students follow the story, identify character development, and recognize subtle details, making reading more engaging and accessible for grades 3-4.
What should be included in a character map for this novel?
Include the character's physical appearance, character traits, and evidence or quotes from the book that support your descriptions.
Is this activity suitable for individual students or partners?
Yes, the character map activity can be completed individually or with a partner, offering flexibility for different classroom setups and learning preferences.
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Sarah, Plain and Tall
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