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 Julian:
Physical Appearance
- young boy
- older and taller than his brother, Huey
Character Traits
- has a wild imagination
- learns from his mistakes
- friendly
- funny
Evidence
- "I stayed taller than Huey."
- "A catalog is where cats come from. It's a big book of hundreds of cats. And when you open it up, all the cats start jumping out and running around."
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 Stories Julian Tells 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 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 Julian:
Physical Appearance
- young boy
- older and taller than his brother, Huey
Character Traits
- has a wild imagination
- learns from his mistakes
- friendly
- funny
Evidence
- "I stayed taller than Huey."
- "A catalog is where cats come from. It's a big book of hundreds of cats. And when you open it up, all the cats start jumping out and running around."
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 Stories Julian Tells 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 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 Character Map for The Stories Julian Tells
Organize student groups for collaborative character mapping
Boost teamwork by assigning students to small groups or pairs. Collaborative mapping encourages discussion, deeper analysis, and the sharing of different perspectives about each character.
Model how to gather textual evidence for character traits
Demonstrate selecting relevant quotes or passages that reveal a character’s personality. Show students how to connect specific text details to traits or motivations on their maps.
Guide students to use color coding for visual clarity
Assign colors to represent different aspects (like traits, appearance, or growth). Visual cues help students quickly identify information and make their character maps more engaging.
Encourage students to present and compare character maps
Invite students to share their maps with the class or in small groups. Discussion fosters critical thinking and helps students notice similarities and differences in interpretation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Character Map for The Stories Julian Tells
What is a character map for 'The Stories Julian Tells'?
A character map for 'The Stories Julian Tells' is a visual organizer that helps students track and describe important traits, appearances, and evidence about each major character in the book, making it easier to understand their actions and development.
How do you create a character map for a book like 'The Stories Julian Tells'?
To create a character map, identify the main characters, select images or symbols to represent them, and fill out sections for physical appearance, character traits, and evidence from the text. Using a storyboard can make this process interactive and organized.
Why is character mapping helpful for students reading 'The Stories Julian Tells'?
Character mapping helps students follow the story more closely by organizing details about each character, allowing them to catch subtle changes and better remember key traits and evidence as they read.
What information should be included in a character map for 'The Stories Julian Tells'?
A good character map should include each character's physical appearance, personality traits, and textual evidence that supports these descriptions, making it easier to analyze the story.
What is an example of a character trait for Julian in 'The Stories Julian Tells'?
Julian is known for his wild imagination and his ability to learn from his mistakes, as shown by his creative explanations and personal growth throughout the book.
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