Connecting Character traits with Text Evidence

One of the most important things to get kids involved in what they are reading: GET TO KNOW YOUR CHARACTER.

Like them, hate them, be shocked by them, laugh at/with them.

That's how you get hooked into a story, because the story hinges on them.

We have been "gathering" character traits on a chart in my room. We refer to that chart often when we are talking about books. They also have been giving me evidence from the story as to why they think a certain characteristic describes a character.

Today we made a chart where we used one character, Lilly, from Kevin Henkes' Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse. They listed traits on one side, and proof from the text in either actions, words, or appearance of the character.

It was great. They really got it. Now, next step is to have them evaluate the character. How do they like them? What qualities do they admire? Like? Dislike?

The evaluation piece takes it to a deeper level, and also gets them more invested personally. They have a preference, an opinion.

Nudge your kids to get to know their characters - you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much more they care about what they are reading.