Character Traits

It was a Friday afternoon less than an hour away from dismissal when we started learning about character traits.  I first demonstrated how character traits are all around us; they're not just in books, but every person has these traits.  I gave them a great two-sided list that I had found on Pinterest, and we discussed a few of my character traits. 

First, I gave them this example:  When I walk through the halls at school, I always smile at people and say hello when I walk by.  Using their lists, students came up with the traits friendly, happy, cheerful, polite, etc.  Second, I gave them another example of how I was as a child.  We discussed that character traits can change, just like many characters do in stories.  We had one brave student share what the inside of her desk looks like and the class came up with character traits that described this student.  Lastly, I gave the students a four-square page with a box for their name in the middle.  Students had to use the list to come up with four traits that described them and then provide evidence as to why these are appropriate traits for them.

Next, we read the story David Goes to School by David Shannon.  As I read the story, students laughed along and filled in a four-square sheet with character traits that described evidence, just like the one they had completed about themselves. 

 At this point, we were almost out of time so I wrapped up the lesson for the day.  We reviewed what a character trait is and how it is different from an adjective.  I told them we would be started the novel Freckle Juice, by Judy Blume, (Guided Reading M) and read the blurb on the back of the book.  The students were so excited.  They even let out a big "Awwwwwww" when they had to pack up for the weekend.  I'd say that lesson went well!

Now, student are finishing up the last chapter in the novel.  I only have 12 copies of the book for my 24 students.  I had created a packet to accompany the novel.  Before, during, and after, students had to complete activities and answer questions that demonstrated their knowledge of vocabulary, comprehension, etc.  There is also an ongoing character traits page for the students to add traits and evidence about Andrew, the main character of the story.

Later this week, we will start Bunnicula (Guided Reading Q)!  We will  be learning about a new genre, mysteries!  Also, this is a great book to introduce homophones, since the characters mix up stake and steak.  This is another novel which is great to reinforce character traits as well.