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!
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 of your class. Printing it as worksheets, for your students to complete while reading, is a fast and easy way to incorporate this character map into your classroom.
Here is an example for Hare:
Physical Appearance:
- adult hare
Character Traits:
- clever
- poor
- hard worker
- tricky
- gets himself into trouble
Evidence
- "Although Hare was clever, he sometimes got into trouble. He had once owned land, too, but now he had nothing. He had lost a risky bet with a tortoise and had sold all of his to Bear to pay off the debt. Hare and his family were in very bad shape."
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 Tops and Bottoms and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character from the "Animals" tab 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 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!
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 of your class. Printing it as worksheets, for your students to complete while reading, is a fast and easy way to incorporate this character map into your classroom.
Here is an example for Hare:
Physical Appearance:
- adult hare
Character Traits:
- clever
- poor
- hard worker
- tricky
- gets himself into trouble
Evidence
- "Although Hare was clever, he sometimes got into trouble. He had once owned land, too, but now he had nothing. He had lost a risky bet with a tortoise and had sold all of his to Bear to pay off the debt. Hare and his family were in very bad shape."
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 Tops and Bottoms and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character from the "Animals" tab 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 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 Tops and Bottoms Character Map
Plan a collaborative character map activity for your class
Engage students in teamwork by organizing a group activity where each team maps a different character from Tops and Bottoms. This increases participation and helps students learn from one another as they discuss character traits, evidence, and story details.
Assign roles within each group
Designate specific tasks such as note-taker, illustrator, and presenter to ensure every student contributes. Clear roles help keep students focused and make collaboration more effective.
Provide character map templates and resources
Distribute pre-made character map worksheets and offer access to the book, sticky notes, or digital devices for reference. Access to materials supports deeper discussion and accurate mapping.
Guide groups to discuss and fill in their maps
Encourage students to find text evidence for each trait or detail they record. Prompting students to cite the story reinforces reading comprehension and critical thinking.
Facilitate group presentations and peer feedback
Invite each group to share their character map with the class and explain their choices. Class discussions and feedback build confidence, clarify misunderstandings, and foster a collaborative classroom culture.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tops and Bottoms Character Map
What is a character map for Tops and Bottoms?
A character map for Tops and Bottoms is a visual organizer that helps students track important details about the story's characters, such as their physical appearance, traits, and supporting evidence from the text.
How do I use a character map worksheet with my students?
To use a character map worksheet, print copies for students and have them fill in character names, choose images, and list traits, appearance, and textual evidence as they read. This supports comprehension and engagement with the story.
Why is character mapping helpful for 2nd and 3rd graders?
Character mapping helps 2nd and 3rd graders organize and remember details about each character, making it easier for them to follow the plot, discuss the story, and develop deeper reading comprehension skills.
Can I edit the Tops and Bottoms character map for different reading levels?
Yes, you can edit the Tops and Bottoms character map to suit your class's reading level by simplifying prompts, adjusting the number of characters, or adding sentence starters to guide responses.
What are some key character traits of Hare in Tops and Bottoms?
In Tops and Bottoms, Hare is described as clever, tricky, hardworking, poor, and sometimes gets into trouble, as shown by his past risky decisions and determination to provide for his family.
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