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!
In this activity, students will create a character map of the characters in White Bird. They will pay 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.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a character map for the major characters.
Student Instructions:
Determine two or more characters from "White Bird" that have worthwhile chances for comparison. Teachers can first give an overview of all the characters to the students and then give students some guidelines as to which characters and best for the comparison. Encourage the students to think about the characters' traits, drives, growth during the narrative, and interactions with other people.
Define the comparison criteria. Consider contrasting characters based on their motivations, compassion, moral decisions, or the manner in which they handle hardship. Besides this basis for comparison, students can also compare the physical appearances, life experiences, and backgrounds of the characters based on the information available.
Examine how each character changes as the narrative progresses. How are they shaped by their contacts and experiences? Students can reflect on the main lesson of the story to analyze the development and growth of the characters. Help the students understand the character arcs and how they contribute to the story.
Ask the students to list the characters' shared traits as well as their distinctions. This makes it possible to more fully comprehend each person's unique strengths and shortcomings. Students can use Venn Diagrams or other graphic organizers to list down this information and share it with the class.
Students can organize a role play activity and act as different characters from the story to understand them from a different perspective. This will also help the students realize the differences and similarities between several characters on a deeper level.
Sara Blum is characterized as being nice, courageous, and tough. She has a powerful sense of empathy and bravery in the face of difficulty. Students can assess her personality by examining how she faced the challenge of hiding from the Nazis even after losing all her family and friends.
As he learns about Sara's experiences during the Holocaust, Julian, who first comes out as skeptical and a little self-centered, changes and develops into a more sympathetic and understanding figure. Students can compare Julian's character growth by analyzing White Bird as well as Wonder and putting the events in sequence.
Madame Pointu is a professor who has a significant impact on how Julien perceives Sara's background. She acts as his mentor and advisor, assisting him in developing empathy and a sense of the past.