Invent a Character

As an author/teacher, kids will often ask me how I invent my characters. I tell them I think about someone interesting - then I think about their favorite candy bar. They chuckle and I say, “Seriously! This is how well you need to know and understand your characters.” In order to help kids invent their character, I’ve created this ready-to-use/student-friendly packet that facilitates the brainstorming process. Kids will love it and you will, too!

How to Use this Guide:
Expressly designed for 4-12th graders, Invent a Character can be used as a whole class instructional aide or in small group literature circles. The guide reinforces literacy and common core language arts standards and is highly recommended for reluctant readers. Invent a Character can be adapted to any short story or novel when teaching character analysis strategies. It is a student/teacher-friendly, hands-on classroom resource that includes the following items:

• Introduction
• What’s in Your Character’s Head
• Diary Entry
• I Am Poem
• Character (Graphic Organizer) Collage

Kimberly invites teachers and students to visit her website at http://kimberlydana.com/ where she has writing tips for kids and lesson plans for teachers.