Description
Looking for an engaging, hands-on way to help your students analyze characters? Try my flexible and fun paper bag book characterization project! This hands-on project, perfect for upper elementary language arts classes, guides students to really take a hard look at characters in any text and analyze them while focusing on their story impact.
WHAT STUDENTS LEARN THROUGH THE CHARACTERIZATION PROJECT:
Students learn what to look for in analyzing characters, about outside and inside traits, direct and indirect methods of revealing traits, what traits are (positive and negative) and ways to record evidence, apply characterization with two books, and summarize what they’ve learned. You can use the pages in the book as displayed or in interactive notebooks.
HOW TEACHERS CAN USE THIS CHARACTERIZATION PROJECT:
- When you are working on character traits and character analysis, you can use the components as part of your small group instruction. I suggest you use the first few pages for modeling and follow a gradual release model.
- You can have student finish the book as a culminating activity for the texts you are studying.
- You can also use the pieces in interactive notebooks if you prefer to use the project with another text later on.
- All of my paper bag books can be used for test prep as well.
WHAT COMPONENTS ARE INCLUDED IN THE CHARACTERIZATION PROJECT?
You get the printables for this characterization project, and students compile the paper bag book with you in a I Do, We Do, You Do format. Below is a breakdown of how the characterization project is organized.
- Cover
- What Characterization Means and How to Analyze
- Direct and Indirect Characterization
- Determining Traits
- On My Own Notetaking
- Characterization Flipbook
- Outside Traits in Pictures
- Sorting Positive and Negative Traits
- Characterization in Amazing Grace
- Characterization in Mr. Lincoln’s Way
- Summary of my Learning
- Grading Rubric
WHAT OTHER TEACHERS HAVE SAID ABOUT MY CHARACTERIZATION PROJECT:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ashley E. says, “Wonderful resource! I loved the two lit books chosen to go with the activity. I hope you make a bag about different character types one day – i.e. flat vs round etc. ”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Buyer says, “I just watched your amazing video about this resource and can’t wait to use this with my daughter. Amazing Grace is one of our favorite books, and the way you presented the lesson will help make it meaningful as we work on characterization this week. I am going to check out your other paper bag books now. ”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Katie Shea (TpT Seller) says, “This is very helpful. My kids enjoyed it. Thanks!!”
OTHER PAPER BAG BOOKS LIKE THIS CHARACTERIZATION PROJECT:
- Exploring Theme
- Fact and Opinion? Can You Decide?
- Narrative Elements
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Making Inferences
- Cause and Effect Relationships
- Drawing Conclusions
- Point of View
- Summarizing
- Main Idea
- Nonfiction Text Features
To get them all, purchase the bundle (includes 16 projects!)
Paper Bag Book Bundle for Reading Comprehension
Copyright © Comprehension Connection.
Permission to copy for single classroom use only.
Please purchase additional licenses if you intend to share this product.
Buyer –
I just watched your amazing video about this resource and can’t wait to use this with my daughter. Amazing Grace is one of our favorite books, and the way you presented the lesson will help make it meaningful as we work on characterization this week. I am going to check out your other paper bag books now.
Mindy Attaway –
Thank you!
Lacinda B. –
My students loved this activity.
Ashley E. –
Wonderful resource! I loved the two lit books chosen to go with the activity. I hope you make a bag about different character types one day – i.e. flat vs round etc.
Katie Shea –
This is very helpful. My kids enjoyed it. Thanks!
GinaC Teach –
I love making this with students. It’s such a creative way to present work and what they have learned. My 3rd graders always love it!