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 with the story.
In this activity, students create an outline for the characters in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, paying close attention to the feelings and actions of both major and minor characters. Students can also provide detailed information regarding the character’s actions, how they influence other characters, and how the main character changed over time.
Copying the assignment will give you the example above as well as a blank template for you to customize as desired. 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.
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 Boy in the Striped Pajamas 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 Traits, Character Traits, and Significant Moment.
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 with the story.
In this activity, students create an outline for the characters in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, paying close attention to the feelings and actions of both major and minor characters. Students can also provide detailed information regarding the character’s actions, how they influence other characters, and how the main character changed over time.
Copying the assignment will give you the example above as well as a blank template for you to customize as desired. 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.
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 Boy in the Striped Pajamas 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 Traits, Character Traits, and Significant Moment.
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 The Boy in the Striped Pajamas Character Map Graphic Organizer
Organize a classroom discussion using your character maps
Foster meaningful conversation by having students use their completed character maps to lead a group discussion. This helps students make connections and deepen their understanding of the story’s characters.
Assign discussion roles to students
Assign each student a specific character to represent in the discussion. This encourages participation and ensures a variety of perspectives are heard.
Prepare guiding questions for deeper analysis
Create open-ended questions about character motivations, changes, and relationships. Use these prompts to encourage students to think critically and support their answers with evidence from their maps.
Encourage students to cite details from their maps
Ask students to reference specific traits or moments from their character maps during the discussion. This builds text-based reasoning and strengthens their analytical skills.
Wrap up with a reflection activity
End the discussion by having students write a brief reflection on how their understanding of the characters changed. This reinforces learning and helps students internalize key insights.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Boy in the Striped Pajamas Character Map Graphic Organizer
What is a character map for The Boy in the Striped Pajamas?
A character map for The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a visual organizer that helps students track key information about major and minor characters, such as their names, traits, actions, and how they change throughout the story.
How do you use a character map graphic organizer in the classroom?
To use a character map graphic organizer, provide students with the template, then have them fill in character names, traits, significant moments, and relationships as they read. This supports comprehension and analysis of character development.
Why is character mapping useful for middle school students?
Character mapping helps middle school students organize information, make connections between characters, and better understand story events, which enhances reading comprehension and critical thinking.
What should be included in a character map for The Boy in the Striped Pajamas?
A character map should include character names, physical and personality traits, significant moments, relationships with others, and any changes the characters undergo during the story.
Can I customize the character map template for different grade levels?
Yes, you can customize the character map template by adding or removing sections, adjusting the difficulty, and editing prompts to fit your students' grade level or specific learning goals.
More Storyboard That Activities
Boy in the Striped Pajamas, The
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