Friendly Giant Talk

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Standards

Georgia Standards of Excellence (ELA)

• ELAGSE3RL3: Describe characters in a story (traits, motivations, feelings) and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events.
• ELAGSE3L4: Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 3 reading and content.
• ELAGSE3SL1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners about grade 3 topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

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Learning Objectives

• I can describe the characters’ feelings and actions in The BFG by Roald Dahl.
• I can ask and answer questions using descriptive language to practice social expression.
• I can listen carefully and respond appropriately during game-based conversations.

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Success Criteria

• I use words that describe thoughts and feelings to explain characters.
• I participate by asking “yes/no” and “guess who” questions clearly.
• I show understanding by answering questions about characters’ emotions and actions.

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Content Vocabulary

• Giant
• Dream
• Friend
• Kind
• Scary
• Easy/Difficult

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Language Function

Asking and answering questions, describing characters and emotions, practicing turn-taking in conversation.

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Syntax & Discourse Focus

• Using simple descriptive sentences (e.g., "He is kind," "She is angry.")
• Using question forms (e.g., "Is your character tall?", "Does your character like dreams?")
• Practicing "Yes/No" and "Guess Who" questions in a cooperative setting

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Materials & Resources

• Copies of The BFG by Roald Dahl (dyslexia-friendly edition or audio version)
• 1 "Guess Who?" game set adapted with character cards representing characters or traits from The BFG (create custom cards if needed)
• Visual emotion cards (happy, sad, scared, kind, etc.)
• Chart paper with sentence starters and question prompts
• Whiteboard and markers

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Lesson Layout & Instructional Time

1. Introduction & Connection (5 minutes)

• Read a short excerpt of The BFG focusing on a character description or feeling.
• Show emotion cards and ask students to identify feelings shown in the story.
• I can notice how the giant feels and why.

2. Guided Practice: Guess Who Adapted Activity (15 minutes)

• Explain the game adapted for social expression: Each student takes a turn describing a character or trait from The BFG without naming them.
• Partner guesses based on yes/no questions, focusing on using descriptive language related to feelings and actions (e.g., "Is your character friendly?" or "Does he live in a castle?").
• Teacher models clear question and answer format, scaffolding language as needed.
• Differentiation: Provide sentence stems and visual supports for ELLs and students with receptive language difficulties.
• Use small groups (4-5 students) so everyone participates. Rotate so students have multiple turns.

3. Independent Practice: Character Description Drawing (5 minutes)

• Students draw their favorite character from The BFG and write or dictate 2-3 sentences about that character’s emotions and actions (e.g., "The giant is kind," "He helps Sophie.").
• Use sentence starters for support.

4. Closure & Review (5 minutes)

• Share drawings with the class, having students describe their characters aloud using their sentences.
• Recap “I can” statements and success criteria aloud together.
• Ask reflection questions: “What was easy or hard about asking questions?” “How did you know your partner’s character?”
• Affirm positive social interaction and encourage continued practice.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For ELLs and students with receptive language disorder: visual aids, sentence stems, slower pace, adult or peer support, chunked instructions.
• For dyslexic students: dyslexia-friendly text formats, audiobooks, multi-sensory supports like drawing and speaking.
• For advanced learners: Encourage creating their own “Guess Who?” cards with new descriptive traits or writing short character stories.

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Extension Activities

• Write a short dialogue between Sophie and the BFG using descriptive feelings and actions.
• Create a "Guess Who?" game with characters from another favorite story.
• Role-play a scene from The BFG focusing on social expression and emotions.

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Notes for Teachers

Using the familiar and engaging format of "Guess Who?" with The BFG encourages students to practice targeted social language skills through play—a natural and motivating context. Incorporating drawing and speaking complements multiple intelligences and provides supportive scaffolding for diverse learners. This lesson strengthens receptive and expressive language aligned with Georgia ELA standards and principles of language acquisition and social communication growth.