sketch

Grade: First or any

Time: 7-8 days (30 mins. per day)

Objectives:
1. Identify characters in a book.
2. Discover various traits about a character and give examples.
3. Listen to a story read aloud.
4. Use inspiration to complete character sketches.
5. Use character sketches to write a class book.

Materials: Inspiration software (webbing tool that allows for pictures and connections)
                Computers
                Projector or television screen to project inspiration sketches
                Book: Junie B. Jones and that Meanie Jim's Birthday

Overview of Project:

Begin each meeting by reading 2 chapters of the book aloud to the students. As the book is read have the students name each character as it apears in the story. Keep a running record of these characters on the board or on chart paper.

Hold a short discussion of the chapters read and go to the computer to sketch the characteristics of characters identified in the story.

Using inspiration, type the characters name in the center of the screen. Ask the students to name characteristics of the character and give examples of why they feel this is a true characteristic. Expect that the students give examples from the story. For example, if a student says that Junie is nice, state what happened in the story that indicates this. Type this information into separate bubbles and place lines and arrows connecting characteristics to examples.

After completing the story and a character sketch of each character in the book, place the students into groups of two and copy off the sketches from the computer. Each group is assigned a character to write a summary about. Students use the sketch copies as reference.

Groups come to the computer and use KId Pix Deluxe, or any software to create a page about their character. They are also responsible for illustrating the page.

When all groups have completed their page, print all pages and compile them into a class book. It is a nice touch to have each student take the book home to share with family. Include blank pages at the end for parent comments. The children love to hear what others think of their work. Share these comments as they come in.