Learning Objectives

• Students will describe a character using simple trait words.
• Students will use story details or pictures to explain how a character acts, thinks, or feels.
• Students will sort words and pictures that match a character.
• Students will speak and write a sentence about a character using evidence.

Materials Needed

• Picture book with clear characters
• Character trait picture cards
• Trait word cards (kind, brave, angry, shy, happy, helpful, etc.)
• Graphic organizer with a character and evidence box
• Crayons and pencils
• Center task cards
• Sticky notes
• Sentence strip paper

Support

• Use picture cards and gestures for each trait word.
• Provide sentence frames and word banks.
• Allow oral responses instead of written responses when needed.
• Work with a partner for reading and sorting tasks.
• Reduce the number of trait cards for students who need less choice.

Challenge

• Ask students to name two traits for one character.
• Have students explain how a character changes across the story.
• Invite students to write a second sentence with a different piece of evidence.
• Encourage use of stronger trait words such as curious, determined, or thoughtful.

Checks for Understanding

• Observe whether students match traits to character pictures correctly.
• Listen for students using the words character, trait, and because.
• Check graphic organizers for a matching detail or drawing.
• Use quick oral questioning: 'What makes you say that?'

Closure

Review the class list of trait words and ask students to name one character trait they can use in their own reading. Reinforce that strong readers use story details to explain their thinking.