Character Exploration

Overview

In this 30-minute session, seventh-grade students will engage deeply with the main characters from The Untaught. They will analyze character traits, motivations, and relationships using interactive character maps. This lesson aligns with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts, focusing on Reading Literature and Speaking & Listening skills. By the end of the lesson, students will enhance their critical thinking, textual analysis, and collaborative discussion abilities.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.3: Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact (e.g., how setting shapes characters or plot).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.1: Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of characters’ traits and motivations.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with peers, expressing ideas clearly and building on others' ideas.

Materials

Copies/excerpts of The Untaught featuring main characters
Character Map graphic organizers (printed sheets or digital versions)
Chart paper/whiteboard and markers
Sticky notes or index cards
Pens/pencils
Timer

Lesson Procedures

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

Teacher Prompt: Begin with a quick warm-up question on the board: “What makes a character interesting? What do we want to know about characters in a story?”
Facilitate a brief whole-group discussion to activate prior knowledge about character traits, motivations, and relationships.
State the lesson goal: “Today, we will dive into the main characters of The Untaught and create character maps to understand them better.”

2. Model Character Exploration (7 minutes)

Display a short excerpt or description of one main character on the board.
Think aloud while filling out one section of a character map (e.g., one trait, motivation, or relationship).
Highlight how evidence from the text supports your analysis.
Emphasize the CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.1 standard by explicitly citing textual evidence.

3. Guided Group Work (10 minutes)

Divide students into 5 groups (6 students each). Assign each group a different main character from The Untaught.
Provide each group with a character map graphic organizer and text excerpts relevant to their character.
Students work collaboratively to:
- Fill in character traits with evidence from the text
- Identify motivations and key relationships
- Use sticky notes/index cards to jot down ideas and stick them on the character map
Teacher circulates to provide guidance, ask probing questions, and scaffold understanding. (e.g., “What specific actions or dialogue from the text make you think this character feels this way?”)

4. Sharing & Discussion (7 minutes)

Each group selects a spokesperson to present their character map to the class.
Encourage peer listeners to ask clarifying questions or add observations based on the presentations.
Connect character traits across groups, illustrating relationships or contrasting motivations.
Reinforce collaborative speaking responsibilities per CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1.

5. Closure and Reflection (1 minute)

Briefly recapitulate how exploring character traits and motivations deepens understanding of the story.
Exit ticket prompt: Write one new thing you learned about a character and one question you still have. Collect these as students leave.

Assessment

Formative: Observation of group discussions and completeness/accuracy of character maps.
Exit Ticket: Student responses reflecting comprehension and curiosity about characters.
Teacher notes on student ability to cite textual evidence and use key vocabulary related to character analysis.

Differentiation

Provide sentence starters for students needing language support (e.g., “This character’s trait is ___ because…”).
Allow advanced students to explore symbolic traits or predict character development beyond the text excerpt.
Use graphic organizers with visuals for learners with special education needs.

Extension Idea (Optional, for homework or enrichment)

Ask students to create a diary entry “in-character” demonstrating understanding of motivations and voice, encouraging empathy and creative writing practice.

This interactive, evidence-based approach ensures students practice critical reading skills aligned with Common Core standards while collaborating and sharing insights about The Untaught’s characters.