Activity Overview
As students read, a storyboard can serve as a helpful character reference log. This log, also known as 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 the boy:
Physical Appearance
- Young
Character Traits
- A painter; follows his dreams
Evidence
- "He seemed quite young."
- "I like painting landscapes."
- "I am a painter."
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 Sign Painter 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 known as 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 the boy:
Physical Appearance
- Young
Character Traits
- A painter; follows his dreams
Evidence
- "He seemed quite young."
- "I like painting landscapes."
- "I am a painter."
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 Sign Painter 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 Sign Painter Character Map
How to Facilitate a Classroom Discussion Using Character Maps
Encourage students to share their character maps in small groups or as a class. This promotes deeper understanding by letting students compare perspectives and evidence from the story.
Guide students to ask questions about each character
Have students write down at least one question they have about each character after completing their map. This sparks curiosity and leads to richer classroom dialogue.
Prompt students to connect character traits with story events
Ask students to point out moments in the story where a character’s traits influenced what happened. This helps students make meaningful connections between character development and plot.
Display character maps for ongoing reference
Post completed character maps on a classroom wall or bulletin board. This provides a visual anchor students can revisit as they continue reading or during follow-up activities.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Sign Painter Character Map
What is a character map in literature?
A character map is a graphic organizer that helps students track traits, actions, and evidence about characters in a story, making it easier to understand their development and relationships.
How can I create a character map for The Sign Painter?
To create a character map for The Sign Painter, identify main characters, add their names, choose images or icons to represent them, and fill out sections for physical traits, personality traits, and supporting evidence from the text.
Why is character mapping helpful for students?
Character mapping supports comprehension by helping students organize details, recognize character motivations, and remember important information as they read.
What are some tips for teaching character mapping to 2nd or 3rd graders?
Use clear examples, provide a simple template, model filling out one character together, and encourage students to use quotes from the book as evidence.
Which details should be included in a character map for The Sign Painter?
Include physical appearance, character traits, and evidence from the story, such as quotes or actions that reveal more about each character.
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