Character Development

During our novel studies, we worked on keeping track of the different characters and played a few games and activities as a way to review the book. As students learned more about the characters, they were better able to anticipate the characters’ actions and refine their predictions on what would happen next in the book. We also started to discuss different character traits. One of the games students really enjoyed playing is a game called Hot Seat. One student steps into the role of a character by being in the hot seat. The other students prepare questions to ask the character, such as why they acted a certain way. Students tried to ask “why” and “how” questions. The student in the hot seat had to try to answer each question as if they were the character in the book. This was an excellent way for students to review all the strategies we have learned so far this year.

As you are reading with your child at home, ask your child about the different characters in the book and what character they liked best. Try asking them why they think certain characters may have behaved a certain way or how a character may be feeling. Have your child give you one or two reasons to explain their thinking.

Audio Books

Students are having fun and fine tuning their reading and listening skills this month as they read along to an audio book. Recorded books are a fun way for your child to listen to a fluent reader, practice following along, and focus their attention. Involve the whole family by reading along as you listen to a chapter of a book each night before bed or while driving in the car during a family vacation. There are many books on tape/CD at the public library that your child might enjoy.

Fourth grade students are listening and reading along to the audio recording of The Music Of Dolphins, by Karen Hesse. The main character, Mila, is rescued at sea after living with dolphins for several years due to a suspected plane crash. Mila is taken to a research facility where she lives with Dr. Beck who tries to teach Mila how to talk and act human. The main character is a clever and curious girl with many endearing qualities that students connect with as they are reading the book.

Fifth Grade students are listening and reading along to the audio recording of Bud, Not Buddy, by Christopher Paul Curtis. The book is recorded by James Avery, who is engaging and really brings the characters to life. This historical fiction story takes place in Michigan during the depression. We are learning about life during the great depression and students really seem to like all the characters that Bud interacts with on his journey to find his father.

Each day, students are reading and discussing one of the chapters from the book during class. There have been great discussions about the book and students were able to practice a variety of reading strategies throughout our study. It is also a great way to develop their skills on sustaining attention and understanding while reading a longer chapter book over a longer period of time.