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 Wringer by Jerry Spinelli, paying close attention to the physical attributes, and the traits of both major and minor characters. They 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 characters in the novel.
Student Instructions:
- Identify the main and supporting characters in the novel 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 the story and the character's traits.
- Choose a scene or background that makes sense for the character.
- Fill in Textables for "Physical/Character Traits", "How does this character interact with the other characters?", and "What challenges does this character face?"
- Save and exit when you're finished.
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 Assess Character Maps for Depth of Analysis
Introduction to Assessing Character Maps
Begin by explaining the importance of assessing character maps as a means to gauge students' depth of character analysis. Emphasize that character maps should go beyond surface-level descriptions and include insights into character development, relationships, and their impact on the story. Share the assessment criteria that will be used for evaluating character maps, including criteria for visual representations and analytical depth.
Reviewing and Analyzing Character Maps
Distribute character maps created by students as part of a previous lesson. Instruct students to review and analyze character maps created by their peers, focusing on the depth of analysis and the clarity of visual representations. Encourage students to take notes on strengths and areas for improvement as they evaluate the character maps.
Group Discussions and Peer Feedback
Divide the class into small groups, and assign each group a set of character maps to discuss and evaluate. During group discussions, have students provide constructive feedback to their peers based on the assessment criteria. Encourage discussions on how well each character map captures the essence of the characters, their development, and their contributions to the story.
Individual Assessment and Reflection
Have each student individually assess and provide feedback on one character map from their assigned group. Instruct students to reflect on the strengths and areas for improvement in the character maps they evaluated. Conclude the lesson by facilitating a class discussion where students share their observations and insights regarding character analysis and the assessment process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wringer Characters
What are some worksheet exercises tailored to "Wringer" that can help students analyze characters, themes, or literary devices in the novel?
Worksheet exercises can be designed to aid students in delving deeper into "Wringer." Character analysis charts can encourage students to explore the traits, motivations, and transformations of key characters like Palmer or Beans. Theme exploration worksheets provide opportunities for students to identify and dissect themes such as peer pressure, moral choices, or personal growth, helping them grasp the underlying messages of the novel. Additionally, literary device identification exercises prompt students to recognize and discuss literary techniques such as symbolism, foreshadowing, and irony within specific excerpts from the text, fostering a nuanced understanding of the author's craft.
In "Wringer," what role do storyboards and worksheets play in promoting literary analysis and critical thinking skills in students?
Storyboards and worksheets specific to "Wringer" are valuable tools for advancing literary analysis and critical thinking. Storyboards engage students by encouraging visual representation of key scenes, which enhances comprehension and interpretation of the text. Worksheets complement this by posing thought-provoking questions that guide students in examining character development, thematic elements, and literary techniques. Moreover, these resources serve as discussion catalysts, fostering collaborative analysis and critical reflection among students. By structuring the process of literary analysis, worksheets help students systematically identify and interpret crucial aspects of the novel, ultimately strengthening their analytical skills.
How can teachers ensure that storyboards and worksheets for "Wringer" align with specific learning objectives and standards for literature instruction?
To ensure alignment, teachers should start by explicitly defining their learning objectives, specifying the literary analysis skills or content knowledge they want students to acquire through the use of storyboards and worksheets. Next, they can select or design materials that target these identified learning objectives and align with curriculum standards. Providing clear instructions to students regarding the purpose of each exercise and how it connects to the learning objectives is essential. Regularly assessing completed assignments helps gauge whether students are meeting the intended learning objectives and standards, allowing for adjustments or modifications as needed. This systematic approach ensures that storyboards and worksheets effectively support literature instruction while aligning with specific educational goals and standards.
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