Integrating Character Traits

Hi All!

Something that I have been working on since last year has been integrating character trait lessons throughout the year.

By doing this it has improved student learning by:

1.     Increase the learning of new vocabulary

2.    Looking at book characters in a different way

3.    Making connections between character traits and their motivations throughout the book

4.    Applying character traits to their own created stories and analyzing other stories to see if they can recognize the traits

5.    Discovering their own character traits

After teaching the basic lessons about character traits to students, I had students implement it into their writing.  I did this by giving students 2-3 character trait cards.

Character Card Example

Character Card Example

Depending on the student’s challenge level, depended on the cards I gave them. For example, a student that struggles might have received the cards, friendly and stubborn (basic character traits). A student that needs a bit more of a challenge would receive the cards, obstinate and ridiculous (more thought provoking character traits). Another difficult challenge is to give students opposite traits such as selfish and generous.

Students take their cards and have to create a story with a main character that holds ALL trait cards that were given. I also give students a graphic organizer to show the character traits and how they will or were represented in the story.  This makes them accountable to plan out the story and integrate the character traits.

Here is an example of Harry Potter:

I hope this is an idea you can apply to your own classroom. I truly believe it benefited my students in their reading and writing.

I do have a character trait card PDF Presentation and Card/Activities product. If you are interested please click on this link: Character Traits.

Thanks!

Erin Hansen