How often have you asked a student to describe a character, and they start making a list of their eye color, hair color, etc.? Or perhaps they say my all-time favorite answer: nice. Here are some ways that you can start getting students to dig deeper!
These resources are available in a free download.
Inside/Outside:
The first step is to explain the difference between inside and outside characteristics. Choose a character and use this template to work through the character traits. Start with the easiest: outside. Students can make a list outside of physical characteristics like eye color, hair color, height, or type of animal. Then you can turn your attention to the inside.Word Lists:
The inside characteristics/traits can be complex for students to develop independently. You can always give examples from the book.
This excellent word list is from Colleen at Totally Terrific in Texas.
I love going through these lists with students and highlighting all the words that describe the character. Then we go through and choose the words that are the best fit.
I often have students keep a copy of these lists in their folders to refer back to when answering questions independently.
Student Character Traits:
Now for my favorite activity - having classmates describe each other. I printed a list for each student and had them write their name at the top. Then we took turns passing the papers around. Each student highlighted one positive character trait of that person. We kept passing the paper until everyone highlighted a trait for each student.
I took the results and created a wordle for each student. I have also put a student's picture in the middle of a blank paper, and students have taken turns writing a positive trait.
Personal side note: This can be an incredibly moving and rewarding activity. I teach small groups of students receiving Tier 2 and 3 support, and their academic struggles often affect their confidence. I have done this with 1st through 5th graders; the results are always heartwarming. I love seeing the looks on their faces as we read the positive things their peers had to say about them!
I hope that you find these ideas helpful to you and your students! Please let me know in the comments if you have any questions or other practical ways to teach character traits!
Click HERE to download the Inside/Outside Character Trait Printable and the word lists.
Personal side note: This can be an incredibly moving and rewarding activity. I teach small groups of students receiving Tier 2 and 3 support, and their academic struggles often affect their confidence. I have done this with 1st through 5th graders; the results are always heartwarming. I love seeing the looks on their faces as we read the positive things their peers had to say about them!
I hope that you find these ideas helpful to you and your students! Please let me know in the comments if you have any questions or other practical ways to teach character traits!
Click HERE to download the Inside/Outside Character Trait Printable and the word lists.
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