Meet Ivan: Character

Objective

• I can read and comprehend a character through text evidence.
• I can identify and describe character traits using a character map.
• I can explain how a character’s traits influence their actions and relationships.

---

Common Core Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.1
Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.3
Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character’s thoughts, words, or actions).

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 4 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

---

Materials Needed

• Copies of the first chapter of Exploring Ivan's World
• Character map graphic organizer (printed and blank)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Sticky notes in multiple colors
• Student notebooks/journals
• Chart paper for group work

---

Lesson Breakdown (45 minutes)

1. Engage & Activate Prior Knowledge (5 minutes)

• Begin by asking students to think about their favorite story character and what makes that character interesting.
• Prompt: “What are some things that help you understand a character better?” Write answers on the whiteboard (traits, actions, dialogue).
• State the learning objectives using “I can” statements aloud and write them on the board.

---

2. Guided Reading: First Chapter (10 minutes)

• Read the first chapter of Exploring Ivan's World aloud together as a class.
• Pause strategically to model thinking aloud: “What can we learn about Ivan from this sentence?”
• Encourage students to jot down words or phrases on sticky notes that describe Ivan or hint at his personality.

---

3. Character Map Creation (15 minutes)

• Hand out blank character maps. Introduce the map’s sections: Ivan’s physical traits, personality traits, relationships, and actions.
• In pairs, students share their sticky notes and work together to fill out the character map using text evidence.
• Teacher circulates to support and challenge students by asking, “What in the story made you think that?” or “Can you find a different example?”

---

4. Class Discussion: Deeper Character Analysis (10 minutes)

• Gather as a whole class and invite pairs to share their character maps.
• Record common traits and relationships on chart paper under headings: “Ivan’s Personality,” “Ivan’s Actions,” and “Ivan’s Relationships.”
• Discuss how these traits might influence Ivan’s actions and relationships as the story continues.

---

5. Independent Reflection & Exit Ticket (5 minutes)

• Students write a short journal entry responding to the prompt:
  “Which character trait do you think defines Ivan the most? Why?”
• Collect these as exit tickets to assess understanding.

---

Success Criteria

• I can find words or actions in the text that describe Ivan.
• I can work with a partner to fill out a character map with evidence from the book.
• I can explain how Ivan’s traits affect his relationships and actions.

---

Differentiation Strategies

• For students needing extra support:

  • Provide sentence starters on sticky notes (e.g., “Ivan is _____ because…”)
  • Pair with a buddy or small group for reading and map completion
  • Use graphic organizers with prompts and word banks

• For English Language Learners:

  • Include visuals or pictures representing traits (e.g., happy, brave)
  • Pre-teach key vocabulary before reading
  • Allow explanations in students’ home language if helpful during partner work

---

Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

• Challenge students to write a short dialogue or scene featuring Ivan that shows one of his key traits without stating it outright—using “show, don’t tell” techniques.
• Have students predict what Ivan might do next in the story based on traits identified, explaining their reasoning with text evidence.
• Encourage students to compare Ivan’s traits with a character from another book and discuss similarities and differences.

---

This lesson helps students dive into character analysis using authentic text, fostering critical thinking and textual support skills aligned with CCSS. It offers hands-on collaboration and personal reflection, engaging diverse learners through scaffolded supports and creative extensions.