Manyara and Nyasha are two very different people, despite both sharing beauty. The type of person they are affected how the story unfolded. For this activity, students will create a chart that describes and illustrates the main traits of Manyara and Nyasha. Students will provide two examples from the story as evidence to support their choices.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a chart comparing the main traits of Manyara and Nyasha, including evidence from the text.
Student Instructions:
Invite students to share their ideas about Manyara and Nyasha's character traits with the class. This helps build speaking and listening skills while deepening understanding of the story.
Write down traits for each sister as students suggest them. Seeing the list visually helps everyone compare and contrast the characters easily.
Show students how to locate specific examples that support each character trait. Point out page numbers or read passages aloud to demonstrate using text evidence.
Ask students to use the class discussion and text examples to fill out their own charts. Encourage creativity in both their written and illustrated responses.
Provide time for students to share their charts with a partner or the class. This reflection step reinforces understanding and allows for meaningful feedback.
A character trait chart for Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters is a graphic organizer that helps students compare the main qualities of Manyara and Nyasha, using descriptions and evidence from the story to highlight their different personalities.
To compare Manyara and Nyasha’s traits, list each character’s name with a trait, give a brief description based on the story, and provide two examples as evidence. Illustrate each trait with a relevant scene from the book.
Manyara is often shown as jealous and selfish, while Nyasha is depicted as kind and generous. Specific scenes from the story provide evidence for each trait.
Using evidence from the text supports your trait choices and helps students practice citing sources, ensuring their character analysis is accurate and based on the story itself.
The best way is to use simple drawings that show key scenes or actions representing each trait, making it easier for grade 2–3 students to connect traits to story events.