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 Tucker Mouse:
- Physical Appearance:
- mouse
- Character Traits:
- resourceful
- "scrounger"
- outgoing
- friendly
- Evidence:
- "And when he wasn't collecting, "scrounging" as he called it, or sleeping, he liked to sit at the opening of the drain pipe and watch the world go by."
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 Cricket in Times Square 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 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 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 Tucker Mouse:
- Physical Appearance:
- mouse
- Character Traits:
- resourceful
- "scrounger"
- outgoing
- friendly
- Evidence:
- "And when he wasn't collecting, "scrounging" as he called it, or sleeping, he liked to sit at the opening of the drain pipe and watch the world go by."
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 Cricket in Times Square 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 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 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 The Cricket in Times Square Character Map
Organize a collaborative character map activity
Invite students to work in small groups to create a shared character map poster. Assign each group a major character and encourage them to add physical traits, character traits, and text evidence. This builds teamwork and deepens understanding as students discuss and compare their findings.
Guide students in citing textual evidence
Remind students to find direct quotes or page numbers from the book to support each character trait listed. Model how to pull short, relevant excerpts that clearly illustrate the trait, helping students see the link between text and analysis.
Facilitate character map presentations
Have each group present their completed character map to the class. Encourage questions and positive feedback so students practice speaking and listening skills while learning about each character from multiple perspectives.
Display character maps in the classroom
Post finished character maps around the room as reference tools. This visual support helps students recall character details during reading discussions and writing assignments, and celebrates student work.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Cricket in Times Square Character Map
What is a character map for The Cricket in Times Square?
A character map for The Cricket in Times Square is a visual organizer that helps students track and understand the main characters, their traits, physical appearance, and evidence from the story, making it easier to follow the plot and deepen comprehension.
How do I use a character map worksheet in my classroom?
To use a character map worksheet, print copies for your students and have them fill in details about each major character as they read. This reinforces comprehension and helps students remember important information about the story.
What are the steps to create a character map for students?
Steps to create a character map: 1) List major characters, 2) Assign visual representations, 3) Add physical and character traits, 4) Provide evidence from the text, and 5) Choose relevant backgrounds or scenes to support understanding.
Why is character mapping helpful for elementary students?
Character mapping helps elementary students by organizing character details, supporting memory, promoting active reading, and encouraging students to find textual evidence, all of which improve engagement and comprehension.
Can I customize the character map template for different grade levels?
Yes, you can customize the character map template to fit your class's grade level by editing the instructions, complexity, or required details, ensuring it meets your students' needs.
More Storyboard That Activities
Cricket in Times Square, The
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
