Title: Exploring Character Development through Storytelling

Grade Level: 4th Grade

Objective: - Students will understand the concept of character development in a story. - Students will analyze and identify character traits and changes in a story. - Students will create their own characters and develop their traits through storytelling.

Materials: - Chart paper or whiteboard - Markers or whiteboard markers - Storybooks with well-developed characters (e.g., “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White, “Matilda” by Roald Dahl) - Index cards or small pieces of paper - Pencils or pens - Construction paper - Art supplies (crayons, colored pencils, markers, etc.)

Procedure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes):
   • Begin the lesson by asking students if they have ever read a story where the characters change or grow throughout the story.
   • Discuss the importance of character development in a story and how it helps readers connect with the characters.
   • Introduce the term “character development” and explain that it refers to the changes and growth a character undergoes throughout a story.
2. Analyzing Character Development (15 minutes):
   • Choose a storybook with well-developed characters and read a few pages aloud to the class.
   • Stop at a point where a character undergoes a change or growth.
   • Ask students to identify the character traits of the character before and after the change.
   • Write down their responses on the chart paper or whiteboard, creating a before and after comparison.
3. Identifying Character Traits (15 minutes):
   • Provide each student with an index card or a small piece of paper.
   • Instruct them to choose a character from a story they have read recently and write down three character traits that describe that character.
   • Once they have written their traits, have them share with a partner and discuss why they chose those traits.
4. Creating Character Profiles (20 minutes):
   • Distribute construction paper and art supplies to each student.
   • Instruct students to create a visual representation of their chosen character using the construction paper and art supplies.
   • Encourage them to include the character’s name, traits, and any other details they find important.
   • Once they have completed their character profiles, have them share their creations with the class, explaining their choices.
5. Storytelling Activity (20 minutes):
   • Divide the class into small groups of 3-4 students.
   • Instruct each group to create a short story where their characters interact and undergo some form of character development.
   • Encourage students to think about how their characters’ traits might change or grow throughout the story.
   • Allow time for groups to plan and write their stories.
   • Once the stories are complete, have each group share their story with the class.
6. Conclusion (5 minutes):
   • Recap the concept of character development and its importance in storytelling.
   • Ask students to reflect on what they have learned about character development and how it can enhance their own writing and reading experiences.

Extensions: - Students can create a character development timeline for a character from a story they have read, highlighting the key events that led to their growth or change. - Students can write a short reflection on how they have seen character development in their own lives and how it has influenced them.