Character Development - Flora

Lesson Plan for Grades 6-12
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WNET

Collection Developed by:

WNET

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Collection Funded by:

U.S. Department of Education

Funding for the VITAL/Ready to Teach collection was secured through the United States Department of Education under the Ready to Teach Program.


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Overview

Students watch three clips that show a character's development over time as she makes an important life decision. While watching, students note important events and developments and later create and present a timeline depicting the character's development over time.

Why is this an important concept?

When readers can identify how a character develops or changes over the course of the story, they show their ability to comprehend the plot and possibly the motivation and conflict of the story.

Grade Level:

6-8

Suggested Time

60-minutes

Media Resources

Materials

The Lesson

Part I: Learning Activity

1. Distribute copies of the Character Development Notes handout

2. Show the first video, "Flora's Motivation." Ask students to note what Flora's life was like before she married and what it is like now. Model note-taking on blackboard for class as you view the segment, pausing the video as necessary.

3. Discuss notes with class. Explain why you noted the things you did.

4. Show the second video, "A Hard and Lonely Life" Ask students to note the hardships Flora experienced and how Flora's life changed since moving to the bush. What is Flora's inner conflict? This time, students will write notes without your modeling; however, verbally highlight important things to note during the viewing. For example, you might pause the video and say, "This is important to note because?"

5. After viewing, discuss notes with class.

6. Inform students that Flora returns to her home town where she visits her mother and sisters. But, then she decides to return to the bush. Show the third video, "A Decision Is Made." This time as they watch, ask students to note the reasons for Flora's decision. Students will write notes independently.

7. After viewing, discuss notes with class.

Part II: Assessment

In small groups of two or three, students complete the Character Development Timeline handout and present it to another small group. Assess students? timelines using the Character Development rubric

For students who need additional teacher guidance:
  • Provide opportunities for students to view the video segments multiple times, pausing at intervals to allow time for note-taking.
  • Provide further assistance with taking notes, modeling the note-taking process for all three videos.
  • Work together with students to create the timeline, showing them how to draw information from their notes.
  • Coach students prior to presenting their timelines.