How do complex characters develop throughout a text? Pupils read Act 5.1 from Shakespeare's Macbeth, which depicts Lady Macbeth's descent into madness. Using discussion and writing exercises, scholars analyze how Shakespeare develops...

Why is Hamlet so upset with Gertrude? Using the resource, scholars read Act 3.4 of Hamlet, analyzing how Shakespeare develops Gertrude's character in the scene. Next, pupils participate in a jigsaw activity to discuss Hamlet's monologues.

To write an essay or not to write an essay—that is the question! Scholars complete a mid-unit assessment based on their study of Hamlet. They write essays analyzing how Shakespeare develops Hamlet's character about other characters.

What might a papaya symbolize? Using the resource, scholars look for examples of symbolism in the novel Inside Out & Back Again. They also participate in a silent discussion called a Chalk Talk, writing their responses to a...

Who? Where? Why? Scholars answer these questions to help identify the gist of Inside Out & Back Again. First, they add text evidence to their research folders. They then begin looking at a performance task in which they write their...

Readers practice gathering textual evidence to support their understanding of character point of view in A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. Working with partners, they complete a Gathering Evidence graphic organizer and engage in...

It's time to put on a show! Scholars participate in a Pygmalion Readers Theater. They discuss the text-dependent questions from the previous lesson plan and revisit the Eliza Character Tracker. To end the lesson plan, individuals reflect...

Show time! After completing questions over Pygmalion section nine, scholars perform a reader's theater activity of pages 87-88. They then revisit their Eliza Character Trackers and add details as needed. 

Every person has a different story to tell. Scholars take a quick look at the book Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village. They discover that each character tells a different story. They then look at one...

Character analysis isn't always earth-shattering. Using a graphic organizer, pupils analyze Moon Shadow's point of view following the earthquake in Laurence Yep's Dragonwings. Also, scholars co-create an anchor chart showing the...

First graders engage in a lesson plan that is concerned with self-respect and interpersonal relationships. They create a character clover as an art project that lists positive character traits and specific attributes of strength. Then...

Pupils explain how individual elements (e.g., plot, theme, character, conflict, etc.) comprise the structure of a play. They write an original one-act play with developed characters, specific setting, conflict, and resolution.

Clarify the characters in Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare with this brief online quiz. Learners read a short description of a character and respond to each question by choosing one of four possible characters. This is a...

Record the plot elements of The Cay on this worksheet. Pupils note basic information about the book and answer questions about the introduction, point of view, character, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution of...

Students respond the story of Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes and discuss the ways in which she showed respect for herself and for others.

For this characterization worksheet, students consider how an author creates characters as they respond to 11 fill in the blank and short answer questions.

Students identify characters who exhibit conflicting character traits.  For this Crime and Punishment lesson, students identify and discuss characters who have opposing character traits.  Students relate their character study...

Pupils explore celebrity philanthropy. In this character development lesson, students read an article and discuss Oprah Winfrey's involvement in several charitable organizations.

Students create a bookmark with reminders of simple acts of kindness. In this character education lesson plan, students participate in a mini-lesson plan that serves as a great introduction to a service project. Students first brainstorm...

Students practice conversation skills while also focusing on improving their command of refined character description. They use a worksheet imbedded in this plan that has them select adjectives that describe their best friend.

Students discuss what respect means. In this character education lesson plan, students read the book Cynthia Ann Parker and discuss the philanthropic acts in the book. Students answer questions about the text on the provided worksheet.

Sixth graders develop long term finance goals and understand why they are important. In this character education lesson, 6th graders compare the benefits of perseverance versus impulse spending. Students set five personal goals.

Students explore the concept of caring. For this character education lesson, students consider how to show others they care about them as they brainstorm and discuss acts of caring.

Middle schoolers use this guided reading worksheet to identify the traits and motivations of characters in an assigned text.