Beyond-the-Basic

Productivity Tools (BBPT)

Lesson Idea Name: Create a Character
Content Area: English Language Arts
Grade Level(s): 3rd grade

Content Standard Addressed:

ELAGSE3RL3: Describe characters in a story (e.g., their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain
how their actions contribute to the sequence of events.

ELAGSE3W3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective
technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences. a. Establish a situation and introduce a
narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally.

Technology Standard Addressed:
1. Empowered Learner Students leverage technology to take an active role in choosing, achieving and
demonstrating competency in their learning goals, informed by the learning sciences.

3. Knowledge Constructor Students critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools to
construct knowledge, produce creative artifacts and make meaningful learning experiences for
themselves and others.

6. Creative Communicator Students communicate clearly and express themselves creatively for a
variety of purposes using the platforms, tools, styles, formats and digital media appropriate to their
goals.


Selected Technology Tool: Inspiration

URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable):

Blooms Taxonomy Level(s):

Remembering Understanding Applying Analyzing Evaluating Creating

Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level):

Level 1: Awareness Level 2: Exploration Level 3: Infusion Level 4: Integration

Level 5: Expansion Level 6: Refinement

Lesson idea implementation:
In preparation for a character narrative, students will be working on creating characters. To do this, the
teacher will introduce character traits through a book that the class has been reading together (Wayside
School is Falling Down). The teacher will model creating a character trait web using inspiration and three
characters from the book. The teacher will explain that the title of the book (or in this instance the title of the
students narrative) goes in the middle, and that the characters in the story go in bubbles around. Then the
teacher and students will brainstorm traits about each character, being sure to include specific examples from
the story for support.

Students will then be asked to draft their own character trait web using inspiration. They will need to provide
at least 3 characters with 3 traits for each. They will be encouraged to provide examples of why the character

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 Beyond-the-Basic Productivity Tools (BBPT)
may have that trait. Once students have finished their first rough draft, they will be asked to go back to these
character webs and see if they clearly included the listed traits for each character in their story. If so, they will
need to write the example from the story the goes with each trait.

Students will be assessed on the completion of their character trait web, as well as the ability to include these
traits for each character in their completed narrative. This will take approximately 3 weeks for the final
narrative to be complete. The character web can be completed after the first rough draft has been finished
(1-2 weeks).

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