![]() Below the person’s name, write “ Looks.” Close your eyes for a moment and picture that person. Write the person’s name at the top of your paper.ġ. Give students plenty of time to write.Ĭhoose a person that you know well – a family member or close friend. Questions for a Character Sketch Brainstorming Session Of course, if this is not possible, simply copy or post the questions for the students. In my experience, a live, whole-class, teacher-led brainstorming works best for this assignment. The key to this lesson is the main prewriting activity, a teacher-guided brainstorming session which yields a trove of details. Of course, the elements of characterization (what a character looks like, does, and says) are highlighted in this assignment after completing this activity, students will more readily recognize characterization techniques in their reading as well. And it is only a sketch, not a full story with a developed plot and climax. The Character Sketch is built on sensory details and a basic notion of theme. ![]() How often do we really look closely at the people we love? Students are surprised at how many small details they know about a person when they are given time and space to think about it. Usually, these pieces are the most moving ones I get all year. ![]() And everyone has someone that they know well, be it a parent, grandparent, sibling, or friend. Why is it so effective? Because the Character Sketch asks students to use their lives, or specifically, the people in their lives, as fertile ground. The result is always the same: strong, detailed, heartfelt writing. I’ve used it in ESL classes and creative writing classes. ![]() I’ve used it with all levels of ELA students and a wide range of ages. You’ve heard of the “Never-Fail Chicken” or the “Never-Fail Pie Crust,” right? Well this activity, the “Never-Fail Character Sketch,” NEVER. ![]()
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