The Indian in the Cupboard: Lesson 7

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

In the previous Related Lesson, found in the right-hand sidebar, you learned about sequence of events and determining the major events in a chapter or novel.

Briefly share with your parent or teacher how you determine the difference between the major and minor events in a story. You will use this information as you read Chapters 11 and 12.

Now, you will explore the character traits and development of the main characters in The Indian in the Cupboard. Character traits are the behaviors, appearance, and personality traits of a character. Watch Character Traits and Character Development Lesson, by Susan McGannon, to learn more:

After watching the video, think about Patrick, Omri's friend:

• How would you describe Patrick?

Share your answer with your parent or teacher. You might describe Patrick as bossy, friendly, impulsive, and impatient.

Now, choose one character from The Indian in the Cupboard. Fold a sheet of paper in half lengthwise, then in half the other way, to create four squares. Use the squares to describe your character following the directions below:

On another sheet of paper, write the character's name at the top of the page. Underneath the name, make a list of at least 10 character traits that describe the character. Use the chart you just completed to help you. Share your list with your parent or teacher. Discuss your observations about the character you chose with your parent or teacher.

Characters often change or develop from the beginning of a story to the end. You may have noticed changes in some of the characters in the book.

• Did the character you chose in the last activity change from the beginning of the book?

Most often, the main character in a novel exhibits the most change from the beginning to the end.

As you watch the following video, answer these questions on a piece of paper, then share the answers with your parent or teacher:

• What does "character change" mean?
• How does the mouse in the Gruffalo change from the beginning?
• Name one other character who has undergone change. Describe this change.

To learn more about this, watch How characters develop in stories, by the Write Brothers:

Now, on the same page where you wrote the character trait list, write down at least one change or development of the character you chose from the beginning of the novel until now. Share this with your parent or teacher.

When you are finished, move on to the Got It! section to explore how relationships have changed throughout this novel.