Lesson Plan Overview
This activity allows for a more in-depth look at one or more characters with a focus on character traits. Students should provide textual evidence to support the character trait they choose. Students can support their ideas with dialogue, thoughts, or actions of the character they are portraying.
Here is an example of a character trait storyboard using Storyboard That’s grid layout. This example features two character traits for Nick Allen and Mrs. Granger, but students can analyze the character traits for any or all of the characters.
- Nick Allen: Creative, innovative, brave, thoughtful, intelligent
- Mrs. Granger: Strict, compassionate, and intelligent
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Identify and illustrate character traits for a specific character in Frindle.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Select a character and identify several character traits.
- Describe how the character exemplifies that trait in the novel.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Trait Analysis | Written explanation of the scene clearly and accurately explains the connection between the character's actions and his or her personality and character development. | Written explanation of the scene attempts to explain the scene's connection to the character's personality and development. Some explanations may be unclear. | Written explanation of the scenes fails to correctly explain the connection between the actions depicted and the character's personality and development. |
| Storyboard Scenes | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the character trait, through depiction of a specific instance in the text. | Storyboard cells show some connection with the character trait, through depiction of the novel, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand or fail to capture a specific event in the text. | Storyboard cells do not demonstrate the appropriate character traits or fail to include any specific textual references. |
| Effort and Editing | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. Spelling and grammar are correct. | Most of the sections of the storyboard were at least attempted and work is presentable. The text contains some errors in spelling and/or grammar. | Storyboard is unfinished and/or disorganized. The text contains many errors in spelling and/or grammar. |
Lesson Plan Overview
This activity allows for a more in-depth look at one or more characters with a focus on character traits. Students should provide textual evidence to support the character trait they choose. Students can support their ideas with dialogue, thoughts, or actions of the character they are portraying.
Here is an example of a character trait storyboard using Storyboard That’s grid layout. This example features two character traits for Nick Allen and Mrs. Granger, but students can analyze the character traits for any or all of the characters.
- Nick Allen: Creative, innovative, brave, thoughtful, intelligent
- Mrs. Granger: Strict, compassionate, and intelligent
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Identify and illustrate character traits for a specific character in Frindle.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Select a character and identify several character traits.
- Describe how the character exemplifies that trait in the novel.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Trait Analysis | Written explanation of the scene clearly and accurately explains the connection between the character's actions and his or her personality and character development. | Written explanation of the scene attempts to explain the scene's connection to the character's personality and development. Some explanations may be unclear. | Written explanation of the scenes fails to correctly explain the connection between the actions depicted and the character's personality and development. |
| Storyboard Scenes | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the character trait, through depiction of a specific instance in the text. | Storyboard cells show some connection with the character trait, through depiction of the novel, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand or fail to capture a specific event in the text. | Storyboard cells do not demonstrate the appropriate character traits or fail to include any specific textual references. |
| Effort and Editing | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. Spelling and grammar are correct. | Most of the sections of the storyboard were at least attempted and work is presentable. The text contains some errors in spelling and/or grammar. | Storyboard is unfinished and/or disorganized. The text contains many errors in spelling and/or grammar. |
How Tos about Frindle Character Traits
How to facilitate a Frindle character trait discussion circle
Encourage students to share their chosen character traits in a discussion circle. This method builds confidence and deepens understanding as students explain their thinking to peers.
Guide students to cite specific evidence from the text
Prompt students to support each trait with direct quotes or actions from the book. Highlighting textual evidence strengthens analysis and reading comprehension.
Model how to respectfully agree or disagree with classmates’ ideas
Demonstrate sentence starters for agreeing or disagreeing (e.g., “I see your point, but…”). This fosters a respectful classroom environment and teaches constructive conversation skills.
Rotate student roles to ensure participation
Assign roles such as discussion leader, evidence finder, and summarizer. Rotating roles keeps everyone engaged and accountable during the activity.
Wrap up with a quick-write reflection
Ask students to jot down what they learned about the character and the value of using evidence. This simple reflection reinforces key insights and helps you assess understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about Frindle Character Traits
What are some key character traits of Nick Allen in Frindle?
Nick Allen in Frindle is known for being creative, innovative, brave, thoughtful, and intelligent. These traits are shown through his inventive ideas and his willingness to challenge the status quo.
How can students identify character traits in Frindle using textual evidence?
Students can identify character traits in Frindle by finding textual evidence such as dialogue, thoughts, or actions that reveal a character’s personality. For example, quoting what a character says or describing their behavior in a scene supports their traits.
What is the OSCAR method for analyzing characters in Frindle?
The OSCAR method is a strategy for analyzing characters by looking at their Openness, Speech, Choices, Actions, and Responses. It helps students break down how a character’s traits are revealed in Frindle.
What are effective ways to teach character traits from Frindle to 4th or 5th graders?
Effective ways include using storyboard activities to illustrate traits, group discussions to cite textual evidence, and providing templates for students to organize their analysis visually and in writing.
How can Storyboard That be used for a Frindle character traits lesson?
Storyboard That can be used to create visual storyboards where students illustrate and explain character traits using characters, scenes, and items from Frindle, making the analysis engaging and interactive.
More Storyboard That Activities
Frindle
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