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 Towers Falling, 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 Towers Falling.
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 Help Students Analyze Deja’s Character in Towers Falling
Study and Analyze the Story
Ascertain that the students have gone through the novel and have an essential understanding of Deja's personality and place in the narrative as well as the narrative itself. After finishing the story, have a general discussion with the students regarding the events of the story, the characters, and the purpose of the story.
Assess Appearance and Background
Ask students to give a description of Deja's features and background information. How do her looks and upbringing affect her experiences and viewpoints? Talk about her experience with schools and others before she got admitted to her new school. Students can also discuss Deja’s life at home with her family, her upbringing, and her responsibilities.
Discuss Character Motivations and Personality Traits
Ask the students to analyze the purpose of Deja’s character and how she deals with difficult situations. For instance, even though she goes to an elementary school she helps at home and takes care of her younger siblings because her mom works all the time and her dad is sick. Students can assess such events and formulate Deja’s personality and her goals in the story.
Analyze Conflicts
Talk about any internal or external conflicts present in the story and how Deja deals with these conflicts. Students can also reflect on how Deja’s character experienced growth and development with the help of these conflicts.
Highlight Evidence in Text
Ask students to reread the book and identify particular instances, quotations, and passages that provide light on Deja's personality. This may refer to her ideas, deeds, and communications with other characters. Students can highlight any such instances which they want to refer to while presenting their analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Characters in Towers Falling
Who are the key characters of the story?
Deja, Ben, and Sabeen are the three major protagonists in "Towers Falling". They are fifth graders who become close friends at their Brooklyn school. Other characters such as Deja’s Pop and Miss Garcia also play a significant role in the development of the narrative.
How does Deja's understanding of 9/11 evolve as the novel progresses?
Deja starts off with little background knowledge and a distant perspective on 9/11. Her viewpoint shifts as she gains more information about the incident and how it affected her community, and she gains a deeper comprehension.
How does Deja, Ben, and Sabeen's relationship change throughout the course of the narrative?
As they collaborate on their class assignment, the three protagonists get close. Their mutual investigation of 9/11 helps them both develop as people and deepens their connection. Initially, Deja is ashamed of her background and is scared of making friends but Ben and Sabeen’s persistence helps them form a great bond of friendship.
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