Character Dolls

Hey Guys! 

   Teaching character traits is my favorite lesson.  What I love to do is draw a huge picture of a girl or boy on the board and on his/her shirt I write "Pay attention to what I do and say!"  While we read the story I ask students to tell me what the character did and said to show what kind of person they are.  We then list all around the character the different traits we brainstormed together.  

   Next, I have them pick their favorite character to write about.  They have to pick one trait and write about their feelings and actions.  The actions of the character show their trait, so for example if the character showed she was shy they have to go back into the book and prove (in a complete sentence) how they were shy.  What did they say or do that showed that trait? 

   They will do the same thing with the character's feelings.  How did the character feel about her actions?  

   Later once they have those essential items down on paper they then can do the fun part of re-creating their doll on paper.  I let them go all out with colored paper.  
   Finally, they have to give their doll a speech bubble and thought bubble. In these bubbles the character again has to prove their trait by what they are saying or thinking.  
   The kids had so much fun doing this activity.  I saw lots of creative work and they loved seeing their work published on the wall in the classroom.  Here are some samples: