Characters
Who are they?
1. NOTES: What do you remember about the different types of characters in fictional texts?
While it is important for a good book to have an interesting plot, it is also important for it to have a good mix of characters. I mean, who would want to read a book filled with stagnant or flat characters? No one! So let's take a look at the types of characters we should be looking forward to reading about in The Outsiders over the next couple of weeks.
Day 1
1. REVIEW: Plot Elements
What do you remember about plot elements? Hopefully you remember the general “mountain” plot diagram you’ve probably used over a hundred times in your school career! Cut and glue your plot elements notebook sheets and review the terms as a class here.
2. INTRODUCE: Who is Langston Hughes?
Now it’s time to get reading! As a class, we will discuss the background of Langston Hughes before reading his short story, “Thank You, M’am,” which we will be reading this week. View the Prezi presentation here.
3. DISCUSS: What Do You Think?
Before we go any further, I want to talk to you about the following question:
Why are some people tempted to steal when they know that it is wrong?
STOP! Discuss the following question at your tables and then we will review as a group.
Is it wrong for a poor man to steal bread in order to feed his starving family?
4. PREVIEW: Preview the Text “Thank You, M’am”
Access “Thank You, M’am” here. Click the link to preview the text. Be sure to look at any bold heading, pictures, vocabulary words, or anything else that catches your eye. Complete the first page of your packet.
STOP! Compare your notes with a partner. What did you both notice about the text? Compare your “k” and “w.” We will review as a class.
5. VOCABULARY: Defining the Terms
Turn to the second page in your “Thank You, M’am” Packet. As a class, we will define these terms. ONLY WRITE THE DEFINITION next to the word. DO NOT write a sentence….yet.
Day 2
1. READ AND PRACTICE: Read as a Class and Respond to Questions
We will read this story as a class, stopping to respond to the Questions for Thought along the way. Once we finish the story, we will discuss characterization and conflict. Once the discussion is over, you will complete Literary Focus, Critical Thinking, and the sentences from Pre-Reading Vocabulary INDEPENDENTLY.
Access audio version here.
2. REVIEW: Discuss the Answers
We will review the answers to our packet as a class. Be sure to pay attention if you need to correct any answers!
Day 3
1. DEFINE: Characterization (NB)
In the Literary Focus section of your “Thank You, M’am” packet, it asks you to identify instances of direct and indirect characterization. Before we can do that, we need to know what these terms mean! Use these slides to help you out.
Cut and glue your notebook page on character traits on page 9, and then write the following notes on page 8:
- At the top of the page, write characterization
- Below “characterization,” write direct characterization and the definition
- Below “direct characterization,” write indirect characterization and the definition
- Below “indirect characterization,” write character motivation and the definition. You may also want to make note the methods of characterization!
STOP! Now let’s check our learning! We’ll review these questions as a class.
2. COMPLETE: Finish “Thank You, M’am” Packet
Once we finish reviewing characterization, return to your packets and complete the Literary Focus and Vocabulary sections. If you finish early, go to this page for more practice on characterization.
Day 4
3. DEFINE & IDENTIFY: Conflict in “Thank You, M’am” (NB)
Every good story needs a little bit of conflict! Sometimes the conflict may be external or internal. If a conflict is internal, that means the character is struggling within his or her own mind (character vs. self); this usually means the character has to make a decision. If the character is struggling externally, he or she is probably experiencing one of the following types of external conflict:
Cut and glue your conflict notebook pages. After you review each of the types of conflict, be sure to take notes on pages 6 and 7 (label 7 Types of Conflict Continued).
Let's take a minute to identify the types of conflict in "Thank You, M'am." Watch the video I put on the board. While you're watching the video, I want you to make note of the following in the Padlet below (be sure to post your name as the subject!):
- Two types of external conflict and how you know.
- One example of internal conflict and how you know.
4. Plot Diagram
At your tables, you will work together to create a plot diagram for “Thank You, M’am.” You must correctly identify each of the elements of plot on the diagram by labeling the plot points and providing a description from the story--these includes correctly identifying conflict within the plot. You only need ONE poster per group; make sure each of your names are on the back, along with the date and your class period.