Curated OER
Character Sketches
Students are introduced to the types of characters found in short stories. They read a short story in class and produce sketches of the protagonist and antagonist. Finally, they create their own characters and write about them in their...
Curated OER
Character Development
Round, flat, dynamic, static, and stock. Introduce viewers to the basic character types with a brief presentation that describes how to bring these characters to life. The presentation concludes with two photos. Ask your writers to...
Curated OER
Characters in the Odyssey Book 1
Seven of the characters in Homer's the Odyssey are introduced in this very basic presentation. Viewers meet Zeus, Poseidon, and Athena (among others). Strengthen this presentation by adding pictures or attempting to see what information...
Curated OER
How Characters Get What They Want
Sixth graders analyze the primary force that drives a character's actions in a character analysis lesson plan. In this character analysis lesson plan, 6th graders analyze how characters present their actions and participate in a group...
Curated OER
Clues to a Character through Text
Readers will read a text and fill out a character map based on the characters in that text. They will explore different qualities of each character for their map. this can be modified to support younger learners. They will learn about...
Curated OER
Acting as a Pre-write Tool
Second graders use acting to help them in a prewriting activity to develop a story. In this prewriting lesson plan, 2nd graders form a character map and brainstorm ideas for their story.
Curated OER
Compare Characters in Bud, Not Buddy
After your class finishes reading Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis, they use the Venn diagram here to compare two characters from the novel, in this case Bud and his grandfather Herman E. Calloway. Examples of qualities on which...
Curated OER
Character Traits - Who are We?
Sixth graders examine character traits. In this character education lesson, 6th graders set goals to strengthen particular personal character traits. Students watch their instructor model the character trait journaling strategy prior to...
Curated OER
Biopoem
Reinforce the actions, emotions, and characteristics that determine what a character is like by having your middle schoolers create a biopoem using the model presented here. You could engage them first by having them write a poem about...
Curated OER
Biopoem: Bud, Not Buddy
Young poets focus on one character from a story they are reading, collect details, and use a biopoem template to analyze this character. The activity can be used with any text.
Curated OER
Novel Jeopardy
Play a classroom version of the classic game show Jeopardy, to review and discuss the novel your class has been reading. Questions about plot and other story elements are written on cards and given point values. Divide the class into...
Curated OER
Descriptive Writing-The Hobbit
Young readers write a descriptive paper on the fantasy characters in The Hobbit. They take notes as they read the novel in order to provide descriptions of the character traits of hobbits, dwarfs, trolls, wizards, and goblins. They...
Curated OER
Reaching Your Potential - Personal Development
How do young people know the potential they possess? Middle schoolers explore their personal potential through two different activities and a class discussion. They examine where their aptitudes lie, and how they can use their gifts to...
Curated OER
To Kill a Mockingbird
Provided here are activities and questions for Part I of To Kill a Mockingbird (although one activity is also included for Part II). Readers study the novel's plot, characters, and setting. I wouldn't recommend using this as the sole...
Curated OER
Jacob Have I Loved: Semantic Feature Analysis Chart
Do not allow your pupils to ignore the connections among the characters in Katherine Paterson’s Newbery Medal winning novel, Jacob Have I Loved. Instead, provide them a semantic feature analysis chart that asks them to note things Louise...
Novelinks
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers: Literary Mandala
Explore the concept of yin and yang with this resource. On the first page, learners study a picture of George Bush. Then, have learners choose a character from The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. After brainstorming adjectives and choosing...
Curated OER
Story Spinners
Students read a book orally using a "Snaking It" technique. The students make a curvy path around the room and take turns reading a sentence orally. They then create a project using paper plates and colored pencils to identify the main...
Curated OER
Bio-Poem
Everyone can be a poet with this simple activity! After reading of Lucy Westerna's death, assign your class this bio poem on Professor Van Helsing. There's a specific format to follow, but it'll be interesting to see how your kids add...
Curated OER
Pop-Up Puppets
Students read "Peter Spier's Circus!" and identify the literature's setting and characters. They work in small groups to create a circus stage set and puppets based on their reading. Students perform a puppet show using their set and...
Curated OER
Perfect Pig Book Reports
Students research information about pigs and their habits. They read fictional books or poetry that include pigs as main characters. Students desgin and create a poster-sized pig on which to write and illustrate a detailed book report...
Curated OER
Outside The Castle
Students examine pictures of people who lived during the feudal system. In groups, they research the role and lifestyles of the nobility and commoners. To end the lesson plan, they draw their own fictional person and write their own...
Curated OER
Unsent Letter: Canyons
As your class reads Gary Paulsen's Canyons, challenge them to assume the perspective of a character to write a letter. The plan suggests learners pair off, one person assuming the voice of Coyote Runs, and the other assuming the voice of...
Curated OER
Follow the Firefly
Students read stories and create a replica of their main character by using "Neon Twistables." They fold several sheets of paper and create several scenes from their book. Students create a booklet, place a title on it, and design an...
Curated OER
Fearless Fish Lanterns
Students read about courageous characters who face and positively deal with new situations. They connect what they've read with their own experiences. Students construct fish lanterns to represent their courage in the face of new...