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 Pickles the Fire Cat.
Physical Appearance
- cat
- big paws
- black spots
- young
Character Traits
- wishes to do big things
- mixed-up (not bad but not good)
- quick learner
- hard worker
Evidence
- "Pickles was a young cat, His paws were big. And he wished to do big things with them."
- "Pickles, you are not a bad cat. You are not a good cat. You are good and bad, And bad and good. You are a mixed-up cat.”
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 Fire Cat 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.
- Add Textables for Physical Appearance, 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!
Here is an example for Pickles the Fire Cat.
Physical Appearance
- cat
- big paws
- black spots
- young
Character Traits
- wishes to do big things
- mixed-up (not bad but not good)
- quick learner
- hard worker
Evidence
- "Pickles was a young cat, His paws were big. And he wished to do big things with them."
- "Pickles, you are not a bad cat. You are not a good cat. You are good and bad, And bad and good. You are a mixed-up cat.”
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 Fire Cat 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.
- Add Textables for Physical Appearance, 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 Mapping Characters in The Fire Cat
Use Character Maps to Support Reading Comprehension
Character maps help students organize information about major story characters, making it easier to follow plots and understand motivations. This strategy boosts reading comprehension by encouraging students to pay attention to details as they read.
Introduce Character Maps with a Class Example
Choose a character from the story and fill out a character map together as a class. Model how to find physical traits, personality, and evidence from the text. This example gives students a clear starting point and builds their confidence.
Guide Students in Selecting Key Characters
Ask students to identify the most important characters in the story. Discuss why each character is significant. This step ensures students focus on characters who drive the plot or have meaningful development.
Have Students Complete Their Own Character Maps
Let students work alone or with a partner to create their own character maps for selected characters. Encourage use of specific details and textual evidence for each trait or appearance.
Facilitate Sharing and Discussion of Character Maps
Invite students to share their character maps with the class or in small groups. Compare different interpretations and evidence. This builds critical thinking and deepens understanding of the story’s characters.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mapping Characters in The Fire Cat
What is a character map for The Fire Cat?
A character map is a visual organizer that helps students track details about key characters in The Fire Cat, including their physical appearance, traits, and supporting evidence from the story. This makes it easier to understand character development and follow the plot.
How do you create a character map for The Fire Cat in the classroom?
To create a character map, students identify major characters from The Fire Cat, select images or drawings to represent them, and add sections for physical appearance, character traits, and evidence from the book. This can be done individually or in pairs, using templates or digital tools.
What are some examples of character traits for Pickles in The Fire Cat?
Pickles the Fire Cat is described as having big paws, being young, a quick learner, a hard worker, and being mixed-up (not strictly good or bad). These traits are supported by quotes from the story.
Why is character mapping helpful for young readers?
Character mapping helps young readers organize information about characters, making it easier to recall details, follow the story, and understand character motivations. It also encourages deeper engagement and comprehension.
What is the best way to use storyboards to map characters in The Fire Cat?
The best way is to use a storyboard template where students can add images, backgrounds, and text boxes for each character’s appearance, traits, and evidence. This visual approach supports different learning styles and makes character analysis more interactive.
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