Understanding Character Traits

Grade Level

5th Grade

Duration

25 minutes

Class Size

6 students

Focus

A student with a specific learning disability (e.g., dyslexia) is included. Instruction follows Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to provide multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression.

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Common Core State Standards Alignment

R.L.5.3

• Describe how a character’s traits, motivations, or feelings influence the sequence of events in a story or drama.

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Learning Objectives

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

• Identify key traits of main characters in a selected story.
• Explain how a character’s traits or motivations affect the plot.
• Express their understanding using a multimodal format (drawing, writing, oral explanation).

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Materials Needed

• Short story or excerpt (aligned with 5th-grade reading level; example: "Because of Winn-Dixie" excerpt) printed in large font and with audio version available.
• Character trait cards with visuals and simple definitions.
• Story event timeline worksheet (graphic organizer).
• Markers, colored pencils, or tablets with drawing apps.
• Headphones for audio support.

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Instructional Strategies

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Approach

• Multiple Means of Representation: Text available in audio and visual formats; character trait cards with images and simple words.
• Multiple Means of Engagement: Small group work for peer collaboration; hands-on activity with drawing; interactive timeline.
• Multiple Means of Expression: Students choose to write, speak, or draw to show understanding.

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction & Engagement (5 minutes)

• Activity: Teacher plays an engaging audio of the short story excerpt while students follow along with the printed text.
• Purpose: Supports students with reading difficulties and keeps all students engaged.
• Focus Learner Support: Use headphones for clearer audio and provide additional time if needed.

2. Character Traits Exploration (8 minutes)

• Activity: Using character trait cards, students work in pairs to identify 3 traits of the main character from the story. Teacher models this process first using an overhead or projector.
• Support for Focus Learner: Provide cards with images + simple words; partner with a peer mentor; use gestures and repetition.
• Check for Understanding: Ask each pair to explain one trait and how it shows in the story.

3. Connecting Traits to Story Events (7 minutes)

• Activity: Students complete a graphic organizer that maps character traits to how these influence two key story events. For example, "Because the character feels lonely (trait/motivation), they decide to make a new friend (event)."
• Support: Visual timeline provided; sentence starters such as "Because the character ___, they ___."
• Differentiation: Students with writing challenges may draw a sequence or verbally explain while the teacher notes.

4. Expression of Learning (5 minutes)

• Activity: Students choose one way to demonstrate their understanding:
  • Write a short paragraph.
  • Draw a scene highlighting a character trait and event.
  • Verbally explain their ideas to the teacher or peers.
• Support: Encourage use of assistive tech or devices if available; flexible choice helps meet diverse needs.

5. Closing & Reflection (Optional extension if time allows)

• Quick group discussion: "What did you learn about how a character’s feelings change what happens in a story?"
• Positive feedback highlighting varied expressions of understanding.

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Assessment

• Formative assessment through observation during pair work and graphic organizer completion.
• Informal assessment of student explanations (written, oral, visual) for evidence of understanding character traits and their influence on story events.
• Anecdotal notes on engagement and support needs of focus learner.

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Teacher Tips to Impress

• Use an iPad or tablet for the drawing and timeline activity to integrate technology.
• Record student verbal explanations for later review or portfolio inclusion.
• Display character trait cards visibly during the lesson to reinforce vocabulary.
• Incorporate movement by having students place trait cards or timeline events on a magnetic board for tactile engagement.

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This lesson blends inclusive practices with Common Core rigor, helping all students unlock deeper comprehension by making abstract character analysis tangible, concrete, and flexible.