It s All About Character!

Transcription

1 It s All About Character! Eunice Garza Zambrano January 31, 2017 egarza@esc1.net 2017 Region One Education Service Center Division of Instructional Support Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

2 Characterization Division of Instructional Support Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

3 Characterization Characterization is the act of creating and describing characters in literature. Characterization includes both descriptions of a character s physical attributes as well as the character s personality. The way that characters act, think, and speak also adds to their characterization. There are two subsets of the definition of characterization: direct and indirect characterization Division of Instructional Support Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

4 TEKS K.8(B) describe characters in a story and the reasons for their actions. 1.9(B) describe characters in a story and the reasons for their actions and feelings. 2.9(B) describe main characters in works of fiction, including their traits, motivations, and feelings. 3.8(B) 4.6(B) describe the interaction of characters including their relationships and the changes they undergo 5.6(B) explain the roles and functions of characters in various plots, including their relationships and conflicts; 6.6(B) recognize dialect and conversational voice and explain how authors use dialect to convey character; 7.6(B) analyze the development of the plot through the internal and external responses of the characters, including their motivations and conflicts; 8.6(B) analyze how the central characters qualities influence the theme of a fictional work and resolution of the central conflict; EI.5(B) analyze how authors develop complex yet believable characters in works of fiction through a range of literary devices, including character foils; EII.5(B) analyze differences in the characters moral dilemmas in works of fiction across different countries or cultures; EIII.5(B) analyze the internal and external development of characters through a range of literary devices; EIV.5(B) analyze the moral dilemmas and quandaries presented in works of fiction as revealed by the underlying motivations and behavior of the characters; Division of Instructional Support Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

5 Division of Instructional Support Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

6 Division of Instructional Support Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

7 Set a Purpose for Reading Comprehension Purpose Questions Focus Groups Character Charts Shift Charts Positive-Negative Charts Responsibility Charts

8 Comprehension Purpose Question (CPQ) A thoughtful guiding question asked before reading Sets a purpose for reading Sets a focus on what is to be learned Cannot be answered until entire text is read

9 Focus Groups Place students in groups. Provide each group a specific focus. Literary elements Specific characters Each group tracks and keeps notes on one of the characters as they read. Each group shares findings with the class. Other groups take notes.

10 Character Charts Works well with works with many characters. Helps student keep track of character. Students complete grid as they read.

11 Sample topics Relationship of the character Strength of the character Weakness of the character Defining moment for the character Essential question for the character Symbol for the character

12 Shift Chart Students center attention on characters who undergo significant change Write adjectives describing the character early in the novel Provide evidence with page number After the change, write adjectives describing the character with evidence Write the cause of the change

13 Character Shift Chart Early Traits Later Traits What Caused the Shift?

14 Positive-Negative Chart A way to track specific literary elements in a novel or play Positive-Negative Behavior by the character Positive or negative influence other character have on the main character Highest of lowest point in the story for a given character Works best when students are able to share, discuss, and argue about their charts

15 Responsibility Pie Charts Students consider which characters are most responsible for the book s outcome Works well with any book that has a strong ending.

16 References Gallagher, Kelly. Deeper reading: comprehending challenging texts, Portland, Me.: Stenhouse Publishers, Print.