Reading Strategy: Character Mapping

Character Mapping is a good tool for students to use when comparing and contrasting two characters from a book, two characters from different books, or characters from a story to themselves. By writing out the characteristics of different people in a visually appealing way via a character map, students have an easy and memorable way to develop comprehension through their similarities and differences. Here is a quick explanation, from www.fcit.usf.edu on how to create one for use in your classroom.

Reading Strategy: Story Maps

Story Maps are a great way for students to make connections, follow along, and develop comprehension about the text they are reading. Story Maps help students identify important features about the text such as setting, plot/theme, & characters. Here is a quick .pdf file from www.readingquest.org to help create a Story Map in your classroom.

Reading Strategy: Compare and Contrast

Throughout the story the main character & Neeka would always reference how they viewed D when they would hear Tupac's music. Using what you've read and this Venn diagram, compare some similarities & differences you have found between these two characters Woodson writes about.

Reading Strategy: Synonyms

"I'm down for y'all, when homies call," D sang. "I was just a shorty," she said. "But that song to me, it was all about having good friends." p. 58, Woodson

Woodson uses the vernacular particular to African-American culture when writing dialog in this conversation between D, Jayjones, Neeka & the main character. Look at the underlined slang terms and think of synonyms that come to mind when you read this passage.

1. Down

2. Y'all

3. Homies

4. Shorty