Activity 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 the grid layout. This example features two character traits for Granny and Granddaddy, but students can analyze the character traits for any or all of the characters in the story.
Example Traits for Blues Ain’t No Mockin' Bird Characters
Granny
- Strict, proud, and intelligent
“Good mornin,” Granny cut him off. And smiled that smile...“I don’t know about the thing, the it, and the stuff,” said Granny, still talkin with her eyebrows. “Just people here is what I tend to consider.”...“I do indeed,” said Granny with no smile.
Granddaddy
- Stoic, respected, and strong
“They didn’t know what to do. But like Cathy say, folks can’t stand Grandaddy tall and silent and like a king. They can’t neither. The smile the men smilin is pullin the mouth back and showin the teeth. Lookin like the wolf man, both of them. Then Granddaddy holds his hand out—this huge hand I used to sit in when I was a baby and he’d carry me through the house to my mother like I was a gift on a tray. Like he used to on the trains. They called the other men just waiters. But they spoke of Granddaddy separate and said, The Waiter. And said he had engines in his feet and motors in his hands and couldn’t no train throw him off and couldn’t nobody turn him around. They were big enough for motors, his hands were. He held that one hand out all still and it gettin to be not at all a hand but a person in itself.”
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
Create a storyboard depicting the character traits of main characters in the story.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- In the left column, identify important characters from the story.
- Add a quote that describes the character below the title box.
- In the right column, describe the character traits that most define the character.
- Illustrate each character with appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity 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 the grid layout. This example features two character traits for Granny and Granddaddy, but students can analyze the character traits for any or all of the characters in the story.
Example Traits for Blues Ain’t No Mockin' Bird Characters
Granny
- Strict, proud, and intelligent
“Good mornin,” Granny cut him off. And smiled that smile...“I don’t know about the thing, the it, and the stuff,” said Granny, still talkin with her eyebrows. “Just people here is what I tend to consider.”...“I do indeed,” said Granny with no smile.
Granddaddy
- Stoic, respected, and strong
“They didn’t know what to do. But like Cathy say, folks can’t stand Grandaddy tall and silent and like a king. They can’t neither. The smile the men smilin is pullin the mouth back and showin the teeth. Lookin like the wolf man, both of them. Then Granddaddy holds his hand out—this huge hand I used to sit in when I was a baby and he’d carry me through the house to my mother like I was a gift on a tray. Like he used to on the trains. They called the other men just waiters. But they spoke of Granddaddy separate and said, The Waiter. And said he had engines in his feet and motors in his hands and couldn’t no train throw him off and couldn’t nobody turn him around. They were big enough for motors, his hands were. He held that one hand out all still and it gettin to be not at all a hand but a person in itself.”
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
Create a storyboard depicting the character traits of main characters in the story.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- In the left column, identify important characters from the story.
- Add a quote that describes the character below the title box.
- In the right column, describe the character traits that most define the character.
- Illustrate each character with appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about \"Blues Ain\'t No Mockin Bird\" Character Traits
How to facilitate meaningful class discussions on character traits
Encourage students to share their ideas by inviting them to explain which character traits they noticed and why. Model active listening by repeating or building on their responses, helping students feel valued and engaged in the discussion.
Prompt students to use textual evidence in responses
Ask students to support their observations with direct quotes or specific examples from the story. This reinforces close reading skills and helps students connect their ideas to the text.
Use small groups to analyze different characters
Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a different character from the story. Each group should identify traits and find supporting evidence, then share their findings with the class.
Integrate visual aids to deepen understanding
Provide students with character maps or storyboards to visually organize traits, quotes, and illustrations. Visual aids help learners process information and make connections between character actions and traits.
Guide students to reflect on character growth
Encourage students to consider how and why characters change throughout the story. Ask reflective questions and prompt them to think about the impact of events on character development.
Frequently Asked Questions about \"Blues Ain\'t No Mockin Bird\" Character Traits
What are the main character traits of Granny and Granddaddy in "Blues Ain't No Mockin Bird"?
Granny is depicted as strict, proud, and intelligent, while Granddaddy is shown as stoic, respected, and strong. Both characters demonstrate these traits through their actions and dialogue throughout the story.
How can students find textual evidence for character traits in "Blues Ain't No Mockin Bird"?
Students should look for dialogue, actions, and thoughts in the text that reveal a character’s personality. Direct quotes from the story support their analysis and help illustrate each chosen trait.
What is a character trait storyboard and how is it used in literature lessons?
A character trait storyboard is a visual organizer where students match characters with defining traits and supporting quotes. This tool helps students analyze literature by connecting evidence to their character analyses.
What are some effective ways to teach character analysis in high school English classes?
Using activities like storyboards, character maps, and group discussions encourages students to explore character traits, cite evidence, and deepen their understanding of complex texts like "Blues Ain't No Mockin Bird."
Why is it important for students to support character traits with quotes from the text?
Providing textual evidence ensures students’ analyses are grounded in the story, promoting critical thinking and literary comprehension. It also prepares students for higher-level writing and discussions.
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