Activity Overview
In this activity, students should depict the characters of the story, paying close attention to the physical and character traits of both major and minor characters. Students should provide detailed information regarding how the characters interact with the main characters, as well as challenges the characters face.
Characters included in the character map are:
- Omakayas
- Nokomis
- Deydey
- Yellow Kettle
- Angeline
- Little Pinch
- Neewo
- Old Tallow
- Fishtail
- Ten Snow
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 The Birchbark House 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/Character Traits, How Does This Character Change Over Time, 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
In this activity, students should depict the characters of the story, paying close attention to the physical and character traits of both major and minor characters. Students should provide detailed information regarding how the characters interact with the main characters, as well as challenges the characters face.
Characters included in the character map are:
- Omakayas
- Nokomis
- Deydey
- Yellow Kettle
- Angeline
- Little Pinch
- Neewo
- Old Tallow
- Fishtail
- Ten Snow
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 The Birchbark House 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/Character Traits, How Does This Character Change Over Time, 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 The Birchbark House Character Map
Organize a classroom discussion using character maps
Invite students to share their character maps and discuss how each character’s traits and challenges connect to the story. This helps students deepen comprehension and strengthens speaking and listening skills.
Guide students to compare and contrast characters
Encourage students to identify similarities and differences between two or more characters using their maps. This activity promotes critical thinking and helps students make meaningful text-to-self and text-to-text connections.
Incorporate visual aids for deeper understanding
Ask students to add images, colors, or symbols to their character maps that represent personality traits or key moments. Visual elements enhance memory and make character analysis more engaging for all learners.
Connect character growth to personal experiences
Have students reflect on how characters change and relate these changes to their own lives. This step fosters empathy and helps students recognize growth in themselves and in literature.
Assess understanding with a creative extension
Invite students to write a diary entry or letter from the point of view of a character. Creative writing activities demonstrate comprehension and allow students to express insights in unique ways.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Birchbark House Character Map
What is a character map for The Birchbark House?
A character map for The Birchbark House is a visual tool that helps students organize and understand key details about each character, including their physical traits, personalities, relationships, and the challenges they face throughout the story.
How do you create a character map for a novel like The Birchbark House?
To create a character map for The Birchbark House, list the main and minor characters, select images or symbols to represent them, and fill in sections such as physical traits, character traits, how the character changes, and challenges faced. Use colors and backgrounds that reflect each character's role in the story.
Which characters should be included in a Birchbark House character map?
Key characters to include are Omakayas, Nokomis, Deydey, Yellow Kettle, Angeline, Little Pinch, Neewo, Old Tallow, Fishtail, and Ten Snow. Both major and important minor characters help provide a full picture of the story's dynamics.
What information should students include about each character in their map?
Students should note each character's physical and character traits, describe how the character changes over time, and explain the main challenges the character faces. Connections to the main characters and key events are also useful.
Why is creating a character map helpful when reading The Birchbark House?
Creating a character map helps students deepen comprehension, track character development, and better understand relationships and conflicts within The Birchbark House. It also supports critical thinking and visual learning.
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