Whole Group Lesson - Character Traits
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3rd Grade/ Reading: Literature
Character Descriptions
Describe the character traits of the main characters from the book we are reading as a class.
3.RL.3: Describe characters in a story (eg. Their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events
After reading a novel students will be able to fill out a chart on the main characters and how they changed over the time of the book.
Students will need to understand what a character in a story is and be able to read fluently.
Piece of plain paper for each student
Crayons a character trait worksheet The Forgiving Tree Book |
Content and Strategies
Teacher Input: First explain what a character trait is, Define: character traits are the parts that make up the personality of a character. They tell the reader the type of person the character is.
Talk about the different types of character traits: (can use the list of traits attached)
Physical
Emotional
Motivations for doing things
Talk about the traits that they came up with for themselves.
On the board/smartboard put a few example sentences that show different character traits. As you talk about each example sentence talk about how you figure out what the character traits are.
Examples:
- I never want to do the dishes and they keep piling up in the sink. … Shows lazy, dirty, procrastinator
- When I get up in the morning, I never change my routine. I always do the same thing in order. I get up. I get dressed, always putting my shoes and socks on first. Then I eat. Then I drink my coffee and read the paper. Then I drink my orange juice. Then I brush my teeth and curl my hair….. Shows… dedicated, strict, regimented
Talk about the different types of character traits: (can use the list of traits attached)
Physical
Emotional
Motivations for doing things
Talk about the traits that they came up with for themselves.
On the board/smartboard put a few example sentences that show different character traits. As you talk about each example sentence talk about how you figure out what the character traits are.
Examples:
- I never want to do the dishes and they keep piling up in the sink. … Shows lazy, dirty, procrastinator
- When I get up in the morning, I never change my routine. I always do the same thing in order. I get up. I get dressed, always putting my shoes and socks on first. Then I eat. Then I drink my coffee and read the paper. Then I drink my orange juice. Then I brush my teeth and curl my hair….. Shows… dedicated, strict, regimented
Guided Practice: Read the book The Berenstain Bears and the Forgiving Tree. After reading ask the students to name some specific places where we might find some key information about the characters in the story. (Students, what are some specific places we might get insight into the character traits of brother, Lizzy, and Cousin Fred?)
Put the names of the three character traits on the board:
-As they give examples write them on the board so everyone can see
-Ask the students to turn to a partner and talk about the traits that might go with the ideas on the board.
-After a few minuets have the students have a representative come to the board and write their ideas around the examples on the board.
-Ask the different groups to explain their reasoning for one of their choices. They had to use specific examples from the text to back up their traits.
Ask questions such as:
-Why do you think the author chose to explain the character in that way?
-What key words lead you to that trait?
- How could the author have used to explain that trait differently?
Put the names of the three character traits on the board:
-As they give examples write them on the board so everyone can see
-Ask the students to turn to a partner and talk about the traits that might go with the ideas on the board.
-After a few minuets have the students have a representative come to the board and write their ideas around the examples on the board.
-Ask the different groups to explain their reasoning for one of their choices. They had to use specific examples from the text to back up their traits.
Ask questions such as:
-Why do you think the author chose to explain the character in that way?
-What key words lead you to that trait?
- How could the author have used to explain that trait differently?
Independent Practice: Using the book being read in class, 39 Clues, have students fill out the attached character trait worksheet. On the worksheet, there needs to be specific examples from the text to base their character traits off of. Have students work in pairs, individuals, or groups. After they are done filling out the worksheet in their "PIG" style have them go meet with other people in the class and compare their answers with each other. Have the students keep moving from group to group comparing till everyone is done with their worksheets.
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Closure: Bring the class together. Have the students share their worksheets with the class. Have the students answer the question: If asked to, do you think you could think of 5 character traits from the book you are reading alone? Why or why not? On a note card and turn it in.
Evaluation: Grade the independent practice worksheets. If the students could list the 3 main characters and at least 4 character traits they have and at least one place in the text to back each of those up with. If they are able to do this they will be proficient.
Plans for Individual Differences: For more advanced learners I would make sure they had a higher level book to be reading and would give them a list of traits with higher vocabulary words on it. There are a lot of peer support in this activity for the lower level learners.