Activity Overview
As students read, a storyboard can serve as a helpful character reference log. This character map allows students to recall relevant information about important characters. When reading a story, small attributes and details frequently become important as the plot progresses. 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 or interest of your class. Printing it as worksheets for your students to use while reading is a fast and easy way to incorporate this character map into your classroom. Or, if you prefer, create a blank template for your students to complete!
Esperanza introduces us to many characters, and not all of them are included in the character map. Choose the characters you or your students feel are the most important. You may wish to change the box headings in the storyboard to focus on different aspects, such as occupation or treatment of women/Latinos etc.
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 House on Mango Street 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 Character Traits, How Does This Character Interact with the Main Character, 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 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 character map allows students to recall relevant information about important characters. When reading a story, small attributes and details frequently become important as the plot progresses. 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 or interest of your class. Printing it as worksheets for your students to use while reading is a fast and easy way to incorporate this character map into your classroom. Or, if you prefer, create a blank template for your students to complete!
Esperanza introduces us to many characters, and not all of them are included in the character map. Choose the characters you or your students feel are the most important. You may wish to change the box headings in the storyboard to focus on different aspects, such as occupation or treatment of women/Latinos etc.
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 House on Mango Street 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 Character Traits, How Does This Character Interact with the Main Character, 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 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 House on Mango Street Character Map
Integrate Character Maps with Group Discussions for Deeper Analysis
Boost student engagement by using character maps as a springboard for group discussions. Collaborative analysis helps students develop critical thinking skills and appreciate different perspectives.
Assign roles for each student during group discussions
Give students specific roles, like discussion leader or character expert, to ensure everyone participates and stays focused on analyzing characters.
Have students use their maps to share character insights
Ask students to reference their character maps when sharing observations. This encourages them to use evidence from the text and their own notes.
Prompt students to connect character traits to plot events
Guide the discussion by asking students how character traits influence decisions and drive the story forward. Making connections deepens understanding.
Encourage respectful debate when opinions differ
Foster a classroom environment where students feel safe to disagree politely and back up their ideas with textual evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions about The House on Mango Street Character Map
What is a character map for The House on Mango Street?
A character map for The House on Mango Street is a visual tool that helps students track and organize key details about the book’s characters, such as traits, relationships, and challenges, making it easier to understand the story as they read.
How do I use a character map in my classroom?
To use a character map, give students a printable worksheet or digital template where they can fill in information about each major character while reading. This supports comprehension by helping students notice important traits and connections throughout the novel.
What should be included in a character map for The House on Mango Street?
A good character map for The House on Mango Street should include each character’s name, personality traits, their relationship to the main character (Esperanza), and the major challenges they face in the story.
Can I edit the character map template for different grade levels?
Yes, you can easily edit the character map template to fit different grade levels or class needs. Adjust headings, add prompts, or change the focus to emphasize aspects like cultural identity or character development as appropriate.
What are the benefits of using a character map for literature lessons?
Using a character map boosts reading comprehension, helps students remember character details, and encourages deeper analysis by tracking how characters interact and change. It’s a quick, effective way to engage students with the text.
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