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. When reading a novel, 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!
The Wednesday Wars Characters
- Holling Hoodhood
- Mrs. Baker
- Meryl Lee
- Danny Hupfer
- Doug Swieteck
- Mai Thi
- Heather Hoodhood
- Mr. Hoodhood
- Doug Swieteck’s older brother
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 Wednesday Wars 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 is the Narrator's Attitude Towards This Character.
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 log (also called a character map) allows students to recall relevant information about important characters. When reading a novel, 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!
The Wednesday Wars Characters
- Holling Hoodhood
- Mrs. Baker
- Meryl Lee
- Danny Hupfer
- Doug Swieteck
- Mai Thi
- Heather Hoodhood
- Mr. Hoodhood
- Doug Swieteck’s older brother
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 Wednesday Wars 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 is the Narrator's Attitude Towards This Character.
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 Mapping Characters in The Wednesday Wars
Organize a classroom discussion using your character maps
Encourage students to share their character maps in small groups or as a class. This helps them see different perspectives and deepen their understanding of each character’s role.
Assign discussion roles based on mapped characters
Assign each student a character from their map to speak for during the discussion. This fosters engagement and ensures everyone participates by sharing insights from their character’s viewpoint.
Prepare open-ended questions tied to character interactions
Create questions like “How might your character react to a new event?” or “What motivates your character’s choices?” These prompts help students use their character maps to think critically and make connections.
Guide students to use evidence from their maps
Prompt students to reference specific traits or moments from their character maps when answering questions. This reinforces text-based reasoning and supports their arguments with details.
Reflect on new insights after the discussion
Ask students to update their character maps based on ideas or perspectives they heard. This step encourages ongoing learning and helps them synthesize new information.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mapping Characters in The Wednesday Wars
What is a character map in The Wednesday Wars?
A character map in The Wednesday Wars is a visual tool that helps students keep track of important characters, their traits, and their relationships as the story unfolds, making it easier to understand and remember key details.
How do I create a character map for The Wednesday Wars?
To create a character map for The Wednesday Wars, list major characters, choose images or avatars for each, select fitting backgrounds, and fill in details like character traits, their interactions with the main character, and the narrator's attitude toward them.
Why is character mapping useful when reading novels like The Wednesday Wars?
Character mapping helps students follow complex plots, notice small but important details, and understand character development, which makes reading novels like The Wednesday Wars more engaging and insightful.
What are some examples of character traits to include in a character map?
Character traits you might include are: kind, determined, humorous, shy, loyal, or ambitious. These traits help describe each character's personality in The Wednesday Wars.
Which characters should be mapped in The Wednesday Wars for middle school students?
Middle school students should map major characters such as Holling Hoodhood, Mrs. Baker, Meryl Lee, Danny Hupfer, Doug Swieteck, Mai Thi, Heather Hoodhood, and Mr. Hoodhood to get a full picture of the story.
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