3rd Grade Character Development Lesson Plan

Learning Objectives

• Identify at least two character traits using text evidence.
• Describe how a character changes from the beginning to the end of a story.
• Write a short response explaining character development.

• Read aloud chapters 3–4 of the class novel (or a picture book with clear character change).
• Pause twice to ask: 'What word would you use to describe this character right now?'
• Record student suggestions on the character trait word wall.

• Model the graphic organizer: 'Beginning trait → Event → Ending trait.'
• Think-aloud with a familiar character: 'At first, the character was shy. Then this event happened. Now the character is brave.'
• Post the anchor chart with trait vocabulary.

• Partners complete the graphic organizer for the read-aloud character.
• Circulate: check that students cite specific events, not just feelings.
• Quick share: 2 pairs share their beginning and ending traits.

• Students write 3–5 sentences explaining how the character changed and why.
• Sentence starter available: 'At the beginning of the story, [character] was ___. After ___, [character] became ___ because ___.'
• Teacher conferences with 2–3 students needing support.

• Whole-class: 'Turn to a neighbor and share one trait that changed and the event that caused it.'
• Collect graphic organizers and written responses.
• Preview: 'Tomorrow we'll look at what motivates characters to change.'

Assessment

• Student product: Graphic organizer and 3–5 sentence written response.
• Criteria: Two traits identified with text evidence, clear explanation of change.
• Success indicator: 80% of students correctly identify a character change with at least one text detail.