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https://sbt-core-www-c7bcewead6hdg8dr.eastus-01.azurewebsites.net/lesson-plans/we-are-the-ship--the-story-of-the-negro-league-baseball-by-kadir-nelson/characters
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
In this activity, students create an outline for the characters in the story, paying close attention to the feelings and actions of both major and minor characters. Students can also provide detailed information regarding the character’s actions, how they influence other characters, and how the main character changed over time.
Characters included in the character map are:
- Branch Rickey
- Jackie Robinson
- Gus Greenlee
- Josh Gibson
- Satchel Paige
- James “Cool Papa” Bell
- A. B. “Happy” Chandler
- Andrew “Rube” Foster
Template and Class Instructions
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a character map for the major characters.
- Identify the major characters in We are the Ship 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 story and character traits.
- Choose a scene or background that makes sense for the character.
- Fill in Textables for each question.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Character Map Template
Create a character map of the characters in the story. Put the character's name in the title boxes and choose a character and scene to represent each one. As you read, take notes on the characters by answering the questions.
| 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. |
Lesson Plan Overview
In this activity, students create an outline for the characters in the story, paying close attention to the feelings and actions of both major and minor characters. Students can also provide detailed information regarding the character’s actions, how they influence other characters, and how the main character changed over time.
Characters included in the character map are:
- Branch Rickey
- Jackie Robinson
- Gus Greenlee
- Josh Gibson
- Satchel Paige
- James “Cool Papa” Bell
- A. B. “Happy” Chandler
- Andrew “Rube” Foster
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a character map for the major characters.
- Identify the major characters in We are the Ship 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 story and character traits.
- Choose a scene or background that makes sense for the character.
- Fill in Textables for each question.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Character Map Template
Create a character map of the characters in the story. Put the character's name in the title boxes and choose a character and scene to represent each one. As you read, take notes on the characters by answering the questions.
| 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 Tos about We Are the Ship Character Map
1
Use Character Maps to Foster Empathy and Perspective-Taking
Encourage students to step into the shoes of each character by discussing their motivations, feelings, and challenges. This deepens understanding and builds empathy for diverse experiences in the story.
2
Guide students to connect character actions to historical events
Help students link what characters do in the story to real events in baseball history. This makes learning more relevant and helps students see how individual choices shaped the world around them.
3
Prompt students to compare and contrast two characters’ journeys
Ask students to identify similarities and differences between key characters’ growth. This comparison sharpens critical thinking and highlights how different backgrounds influence perspectives and actions.
4
Facilitate group sharing of character maps for peer feedback
Organize a gallery walk or small group sessions for students to share their maps. Peer feedback encourages new insights and helps everyone refine their understanding of the story’s characters.
5
Integrate character map reflections into class discussion or journals
Invite students to reflect on their maps in writing or discussion. This solidifies comprehension and allows students to express how their ideas about the characters evolved during the activity.
Frequently Asked Questions about We Are the Ship Character Map
What is a character map in the context of 'We Are the Ship'?
A character map for 'We Are the Ship' is a visual organizer where students outline key characters, their traits, actions, feelings, and relationships to help understand the story’s dynamics and character development.
How can I create a simple character map for 'We Are the Ship' with my students?
Start by listing main characters like Jackie Robinson and Branch Rickey. Then, have students choose images or icons to represent each, select fitting colors or poses, and add notes about their actions, feelings, and changes throughout the story.
Which characters should be included in a 'We Are the Ship' character map for grades 4-5?
Key characters to include are Branch Rickey, Jackie Robinson, Gus Greenlee, Josh Gibson, Satchel Paige, James “Cool Papa” Bell, A. B. “Happy” Chandler, and Andrew “Rube” Foster.
Why is making a character map helpful for understanding 'We Are the Ship'?
Creating a character map helps students visualize relationships, track character development, and better understand how individual actions and feelings shape the story’s events and themes.
What are some tips for choosing poses and colors when designing character maps for literature?
Pick colors that reflect each character’s personality or mood, and select poses that match their actions in the story. For example, use strong poses for leaders and softer colors for reflective characters.
More Storyboard That Activities
We Are the Ship
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© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
