Instructional+Plan

STUDENT OBJECTIVES
Students will > > >
 * Review how characters tend to develop in stories by recalling their own favorite characters
 * Practice popular culture literacy by creating character outlines on trading cards
 * Practice offering constructive feedback by reviewing each other's character outlines
 * Participate in the writing process by revising their character trading cards based on feedback from peers

**ASSIGNMENT**
To complete this assignment, students should have been asked to choose a book from the Classic Starts series. Give students enough time to finish their books and, once you are ready to start, briefly discuss the aspects of character development, conflict, and resolution.

Students are to choose a character from their book to outline. To help guide them with their decisions, discuss the following questions: > > >
 * Is this character interesting to me? Why?
 * Will other students enjoy this character?
 * Can I write a description of this character that will be engaging?
 * Does this character do and say things that others will find interesting?

Hand out the character planning sheet and give students time to complete the questions.

Now students will be asked to complete their character trading cards. Use the instructions on how to use the interactive to help guide them through the process.

Once the trading cards are complete, print out copies of each student's card. Have each student draw a picture of their character on their card. They will then be asked to briefly discuss their cards.

EXTENSIONS

 * Students can create cards, trade them, and try to draw a picture of another student's character. Students can also trade cards with another student. This will be a new assignment to read the book which the new character is from. Once they are finished reading the new story, they can then trade with a new classmate and read a new book. This extension can be used throughout the school year.

STUDENT ASSESSMENT/REFLECTIONS
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 * Observe students during the whole-class phase of this lesson to assess their knowledge of character development. Listen for their responses and ideas for the character trading card.
 * Confer with students as they are creating their own trading cards. Observe their ability to respond to the questions in ways that will help them develop their characters.


 * You may want to develop a checklist with the criteria you expect on the trading cards. This checklist will vary depending on the age, experience, and ability of your writers. Students can use the checklist to self-assess. Possible criteria include:
 * The character is effectively planned
 * There is a clear description of the character (physical appearance and personality)
 * There is a clear description of the setting
 * The conflict is related to the character's goals
 * The conflict is resolved effectively

Collect students' trading cards and review them for completeness and the quality of the responses. You may want to use the checklist suggested above to assess this work.  Home