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 a comparison of character traits between Cinderella and her sisters, but students could focus on any of the characters in Cinderella.
Possible character traits for characters in Cinderella:
- Cinderella: Kind, Selfless, Genuine
- Ugly Sisters: Cruel, Selfish, Rude
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 comparing the character traits of characters in Cinderella.
Student Instructions
Identify and illustrate a 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 story.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
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. |
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 a comparison of character traits between Cinderella and her sisters, but students could focus on any of the characters in Cinderella.
Possible character traits for characters in Cinderella:
- Cinderella: Kind, Selfless, Genuine
- Ugly Sisters: Cruel, Selfish, Rude
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 comparing the character traits of characters in Cinderella.
Student Instructions
Identify and illustrate a 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 story.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
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 Cinderella Character Traits Activity
Organize a character trait discussion circle
Gather your class in a circle and have each student share a character trait for a chosen character, explaining their reasoning with specific examples from the text. This activity encourages active listening and helps students justify their ideas with evidence.
Model using textual evidence for traits
Demonstrate how to find dialogue, actions, or thoughts that reveal a character's traits by reading aloud a short passage and highlighting key phrases. Show students how to connect these details to specific traits for stronger analysis.
Guide students to brainstorm trait lists together
Invite students to work in pairs or small groups to create a list of possible character traits for a chosen character. Encourage them to use descriptive adjectives and share their lists with the class for a wider range of ideas.
Facilitate peer feedback on trait choices
Pair up students to swap their character trait storyboards. Each student reviews their partner’s work and provides one positive comment and one suggestion for even stronger evidence, fostering collaboration and critical thinking.
Wrap up with a class anchor chart of traits
Create a large anchor chart listing all character traits discussed, along with student-provided examples. Display it in your classroom as a quick reference for future character studies and reading comprehension activities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cinderella Character Traits Activity
What are some character traits of Cinderella and her sisters?
Cinderella is typically portrayed as kind, selfless, and genuine, while her sisters are often described as cruel, selfish, and rude. These traits can be supported by the characters’ actions, dialogue, and thoughts throughout the story.
How can students use textual evidence to support character traits in Cinderella?
Students should find specific examples from the story—such as a character’s dialogue, actions, or thoughts—to show how a character displays a trait. For example, citing an act of kindness by Cinderella supports her being kind.
What is a character trait storyboard for Cinderella?
A character trait storyboard is a visual activity where students compare and illustrate the traits of characters from Cinderella, using a grid layout. It helps students organize evidence and better understand each character’s personality.
How do you create a character traits activity for Cinderella in grades 2-3?
To create this activity, provide students with a template to list characters, identify their traits, and describe or illustrate examples from the story. Encourage them to use evidence like actions or dialogue to support their choices.
Why is comparing character traits important in fairy tales like Cinderella?
Comparing traits helps students understand character motivations and the story’s message. It builds reading comprehension and critical thinking by encouraging them to look for evidence and draw conclusions about the characters.
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