Lights, Camera, Character Traits!

In this lesson, students identify the main character in a story and identify their character traits. 

Step 1 - Inquire: Students read Saving Planet Earthly and discuss the character traits of the main character, Thoko.

Step 2 - Investigate: Students act out scenarios in small groups, demonstrating their knowledge of Thoko's character traits.

Step 3 - Inspire: Students choose one scenario and create a comic strip, showing how Thoko would act based on her character traits.

Positives

• Students have the opportunity for auditory, kinesthetic, and visual learning.

• Students have the opportunity to work independently, in small groups, and in whole group discussions.

• Students are able to share their diverse ideas and perspectives in a variety of creative ways.

Additional Prerequisites

• Teachers should print handouts prior to the lesson.

• Art supplies are required for comic strips.

Differentiation

• You have many options for how your students read Saving Planet Earthly.

  • Students can read independently or in small groups.
  • You can read the story out loud to the entire class.
  • You may play the audio version while students follow along. The audio version is 8 minutes, 57 seconds long.
• You may read the scenario sheet out loud before students begin acting in the Investigate section.

• Students may be placed in groups of mixed abilities.

• A word bank of personal characteristics can be used to assist students in learning and creating character reactions to scenarios.

This lesson allows students to demonstrate traits from 5 scenarios about energy conservation, biodiversity, and waste management. It is suitable to build their passion towards environmental sustainability and stewardship. All materials and activities in the lesson have been reviewed and are appropriate. On that account, this lesson is recommended for teaching.

This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.

Primary Standards

• English Language Arts
  • Reading: Literature (K-12)
    • RL.3.3 Describe characters in a story (e.g., their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain how their actions contribute to the plot.
    • RL.4.3 Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character's thoughts, words, or actions).