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Teaching Character Traits

Describing a character in depth including describing a character’s thoughts, words, or actions is an important Common Core Standard. Beginning in 5th grade students must also be able to compare characters. Listed below are a few ways to help students understand this important standard.

#1 Use a Picture of the Character with Descriptive Words

Anchor Chart

Free Printable Organizers

(Just click on the image of the organizer you would like to download.)

#2 Describe the Problems and Solutions the Character Faces

Anchor Chart

Free Printable Organizer

(Just click on the image to download.)

#3 Compare and Contrast Two Characters

• Venn Diagram without lines
  (I use this version for students to write character traits on sticky notes and add them to the chart.)
• Venn Diagram with lines as shown in the photo
•  Bridge to Terabithia and Compare and Contrast titles
•  Compare and Contrast title (Version 1)
•  Compare and Contrast title (Version 2)

Printing Instructions

Adobe Reader

With Adobe Reader 10 or newer, you can print posters by splitting the document across multiple sheets of paper called tiles. After printing, you piece the tiles together. If you have an older version of Adobe Reader, you can update to a newer version with a free download here: http://get.adobe.com/reader/

Printing Instructions

1. Choose File > Print

2. A pop-up menu will open. Select the “Poster” option under “Page Sizing & Handling.” The poster is set to print 20 by 30 inches. This will tile over 8 pieces of paper. This size fits perfectly on the standard 22 by 32 inch flip chart. If you select “Size” in place of “Poster,” your poster will fit on a standard 8 1/2 by 11 inch piece of paper.

Additional Resources

If you are looking for additional resources, you might like to take a look at “Characters and Settings.” This resource contains mini posters, foldable graphic organizers, and activities to help teach about characters and settings.

Characters and Settings at Teachers Pay Teachers