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https://www.test.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/mufaros-beautiful-daughters-by-john-steptoe/character-traits
Activity Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Rubric
Activity Overview Accordion Arrow

Activity Overview


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.


Template and Class Instructions Accordion Arrow

Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)



Due Date:

Objective: Create a chart comparing the main traits of Manyara and Nyasha, including evidence from the text.

Student Instructions:

  1. Click "Start Assignment".
  2. In the title boxes, write the daughters’ names and a trait.
  3. In the description boxes, write a brief description of an example from the story that identifies that trait.
  4. Create an illustration for each description using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
  5. Save and exit when finished.

Lesson Plan Reference

Switch to: Common CoreArizonaCaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIowaKansasMarylandMassachusettsNebraskaNew JerseyNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaPennsylvaniaTexasUtah

Rubric Accordion Arrow

Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)


Character Analysis Rubric
Analyze a character by explaining specific ways he or she demonstrates several important character traits throughout the story.
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


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.


Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)



Due Date:

Objective: Create a chart comparing the main traits of Manyara and Nyasha, including evidence from the text.

Student Instructions:

  1. Click "Start Assignment".
  2. In the title boxes, write the daughters’ names and a trait.
  3. In the description boxes, write a brief description of an example from the story that identifies that trait.
  4. Create an illustration for each description using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
  5. Save and exit when finished.

Lesson Plan Reference

Switch to: Common CoreArizonaCaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIowaKansasMarylandMassachusettsNebraskaNew JerseyNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaPennsylvaniaTexasUtah

Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)


Character Analysis Rubric
Analyze a character by explaining specific ways he or she demonstrates several important character traits throughout the story.
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 Character Trait Chart: Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters

1

Organize a class discussion about character traits

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.

2

List character traits together on the board

Write down traits for each sister as students suggest them. Seeing the list visually helps everyone compare and contrast the characters easily.

3

Model finding evidence in the text

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.

4

Guide students to create their own character trait chart

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.

5

Facilitate sharing and reflection

Provide time for students to share their charts with a partner or the class. This reflection step reinforces understanding and allows for meaningful feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions about Character Trait Chart: Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters

What is a character trait chart for Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters?

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.

How do you compare Manyara and Nyasha’s traits for a classroom assignment?

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.

What are some examples of character traits for Manyara and Nyasha?

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.

Why is it important to use evidence from the text when describing character traits?

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.

What is the best way to illustrate character traits in a chart for young students?

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.




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