Activity Overview
Character maps are a helpful tool for students to use as they're reading, although they can also be used after completing a book. In this activity, students will create a character map of the characters in Tuck Everlasting, paying close attention to the physical attributes and the traits of both major and minor characters. Students can also provide detailed information regarding the challenges the character faces, the challenges the character imposes, and the importance of the character to the plot of the story.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a character map for the major characters in Tuck Everlasting.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Choose a Storyboard That character to represent each of the book characters. Note: be sure to select colors and a pose appropriate to story and character traits.
- Fill in Textables for "Physical/Character Traits", "How does this character change throughout the novel?", 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 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 to Teach Character Mapping from 'Tuck Everlasting' for Students with Special Needs
Introduction and Adapted Reading
The lesson starts with an introduction to the concept of a character map, using visual aids to enhance understanding. This step includes an adapted reading session from "Tuck Everlasting," where the text is presented in a format that best suits the students' needs, such as audiobooks for visually impaired students. Following the reading, there's a discussion on the characters introduced, with an emphasis on identifying key traits and physical descriptions, aided by visual and auditory cues as necessary.
Character Identification and Description
In this step, students receive character map templates and art supplies. They are guided to identify characters from the text, encompassing both major and minor figures. Assistance is provided in describing these characters, focusing on physical attributes and personality traits. Visual aids and prompts are used to support students in this process, ensuring they can effectively express their understanding of each character.
Character Mapping with Assistive Tools
Students are introduced to digital tools, such as mind-mapping software, which can assist in creating character maps. They are given the choice to use either traditional methods (like drawing or writing) or digital tools for their character maps, depending on their comfort and needs. During this step, individualized support is provided, ensuring each student can effectively articulate their understanding and insights into the characters.
Presentation and Reflection
The lesson concludes with students presenting their character maps. This can be done verbally or through a digital display, depending on the student's preference and ability. This step includes a peer feedback session, promoting a discussion about the characters and different interpretations. A reflective session wraps up the lesson, where students share what they learned about the characters and how they connected with them on a personal level.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mapping Characters in Tuck Everlasting
Who are the main characters in 'Tuck Everlasting' and what are their primary traits?
"Tuck Everlasting" by Natalie Babbitt features several main characters, each with distinct traits. Winnie Foster, the protagonist, is a curious and somewhat sheltered ten-year-old girl yearning for adventure. The Tuck family, consisting of Angus (the thoughtful and philosophical father), Mae (the kind-hearted mother), Miles (the quiet and introspective son), and Jesse (the youthful and playful younger son), are central to the story. They possess a serene and mysterious quality due to their immortality from drinking from a magical spring. The Man in the Yellow Suit, another primary character, is enigmatic and driven by a desire to exploit the spring for personal gain. His actions bring a sense of tension and conflict to the narrative.
How do the characters in 'Tuck Everlasting' change throughout the story?
Throughout "Tuck Everlasting," the characters undergo significant development. Winnie Foster, initially naive and restless, grows in understanding and maturity as she grapples with concepts of life, death, and morality. Her experiences with the Tucks profoundly shape her perspective on life and freedom. The Tuck family, while seemingly unchanging due to their immortality, also experience emotional growth. They each deal with the consequences of eternal life in different ways, and their interactions with Winnie lead to introspection and a reevaluation of their long-held beliefs. The Man in the Yellow Suit undergoes a transformation as well, evolving from a mysterious figure to a clear antagonist, which catalyzes the climax and resolution of the story.
Are there any secondary characters in 'Tuck Everlasting' that significantly influence the story?
While "Tuck Everlasting" focuses mainly on Winnie and the Tucks, several secondary characters play significant roles in influencing the story's direction. Winnie's grandmother and mother are instrumental in setting the initial tone of Winnie's life and her desire for freedom. The constable represents the law and societal norms, playing a crucial role in the novel’s climax and resolution. These secondary characters, though not central to the plot, contribute to the novel's exploration of themes like freedom, the boundaries of law and ethics, and the complexities of human desires and consequences. Their presence and actions provide a backdrop against which the main characters' decisions and transformations are highlighted.
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