Building Character through Character

By: Amy Albright

This is a unit for a third grade class to be used with students on grade level. The unit addresses Common Core Standards in literature, speaking and listening, and writing. The overarching goal for this unit is that through the emphasis on character traits in literature and through their narrative writing, students will begin a reflection of their own actions and development of the person they are becoming. There are five objectives to be addressed during the course of the unit. The first objective is for the students to be able to define the aspects of each trait. After defining the traits, students will begin identifying examples and counterexamples of each trait in literature. From there, students will apply their knowledge traits and ability to identify it to real life situations. Students will be expected to observe the traits being displayed by others in day to day interactions, in addition to displaying those traits themselves. The culminating activity will require students to use all of their skills to create a narrative with their own well developed characters displaying three of the character traits through their actions. The character’s actions should have an essential impact on the events of the story.