Grade: 4th
Subject Area: Language Arts/Reading
Topic: Character Traits
Standards Addressed:
-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.RL.4.7
Make connections between the text of a story or drama and a visual or oral presentation of the text, identifying
where each version reflects specific descriptions and directions in the text.
Lesson Objective: Students will be able to write one character trait to describe an image and state in writing
whether the trait is a physical or an inside trait.
Opening
Review previously learned knowledge anchor chart of writing effective summaries
o All summaries need a setting, characters, and events
Whole-class choral read of “I Can” statement related to character traits
Think-Pair-Share
o How many different ways can you say “nice”?
o ELLs: How do you say “nice” in your home language?
Set Expectations: We call these ways to describe someone “traits” and will look at two types of traits today.
Guided Practice
Discussion of inside traits versus physical traits
o Create T-Chart on the whiteboard
o Definitions and examples
Distribute and discuss Venn diagrams and character trait cheat sheet to students
o Model and showcase teacher copy of Venn diagram – Comparing a video clip with a book
Watch Winnie the Pooh clip
o Teacher and students fill out video clip side of Venn diagram for Winnie with physical and inside
traits
Discuss afterward
Independent Practice
Gather students on the carpet for Finding Winnie read aloud
Students fill out the book side of the Venn diagram for Winnie while listening to the story
Include various discussion questions throughout the story
After students transition to their seats, students will discuss in their groups what traits they identified
Closing
Whole-class choral read once more of “I Can” statement
o Discussion of how today’s content relates to the “I Can” statement
Jot Lot (Exit Slip)
o On a sticky note, students will write one trait describing Spongebob and classify it as either a
physical or inside trait
Show picture of Spongebob on the overhead
o Students will place the sticky note on the Jot Lot poster board on their assigned spot
Materials