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Discipline

Language Arts, History

Grade Level

6-12

Type of Activity

Large Group, Small Group, Individual, Ongoing

Objectives

• Students will gain a deeper understanding of the characters in the novel.
• Students will create a stronger personal connection to characters in the novel.

Overview 

An identity chart is a graphic tool. It is meant to help students to understand the motivations of characters—the factors that have shaped characters. Identity charts can also be done autobiographically; that is, a student can chart him/herself.

This activity is meant to be done on an ongoing basis throughout the reading of the novel.

Materials Needed/Preparation 

• Large pieces of butcher paper to post the work where students can see and interact with it
• Brief introduction to the Identity Chart process
• Copies of sample identity chart and blank chart (optional)
• The Red Pony notebooks 

Estimated Time

• 15-45 minutes to introduce and begin the process for the first time
• 3-5 minutes per class period 

Procedures 

• Open with a discussion about what makes someone who they are. Another way to phrase this is to ask students, “How do you define who you are?”
  • Answers may include:
    • Place in family, classroom, or community, e.g., a daughter, a son, a student, an altar boy, etc.
    • Things about a student’s background, e.g., Buddhist, Muslim, female, place of birth, ethnicity, nationality, etc. 
    • Physical characteristics
  • Explain how an Identity Chart works (see example below).

• Assign or take volunteers for each of the characters who have appeared in the novel. (This will vary depending on how far into the novel this activity is first begun.)
  • This can be done as a large group or in small groups.
  • Have student(s) complete the chart as thoroughly as they can.
• Allow time during the period to discuss how the characteristics and facts listed on the chart may be important.
  • How have some of the characteristics shaped a character’s actions, relationships, fears, etc.?
• Allow students to add to the chart on a daily basis.

Post Activity/Takeaways/Follow-up 

• Post Activity
  • Have students complete an identity chart on themselves.
  • Have students complete an identity chart on someone in the family.
  • Have students make predictions about what characters will do based on what they have listed thus far in the Identity Chart.
• Takeaways
  • Students should begin to see what shapes the actions, emotions, beliefs, and so on, of characters in the novel.
  • Students should be more familiar with the characters in the novel.
• Follow-up
  • Use the chart as a discussion starter, or have students add things to a character’s chart after other activities, discussions, etc. 

Assessment

• Quiz on the characters (based on the student findings in the Identity Charts).
  • The quiz could be to create an identity chart for a character or characters.
  • The quiz could be strictly factual (e.g., “Who is Billy Buck?” and so on.)
• When a new character appears in the novel, have students individually create an Identity Chart for that character.
  • Assess how well individual students are understanding the process and the novel. 

Common Core State Standards Met

• Reading Standards for Literature 6-12
  • Key Ideas and Details: 1
  • Craft and Structure: 6
• Speaking and Listening Standards 6-12
  • Comprehension and Collaboration: 1
  • Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas: 4
• Language Standards 6-12
  • Vocabulary Acquisition and Use: 5
• Reading Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies 6-12
  • Craft and Structure: 6
  • Integration of Knowledge and Ideas: 8