Activity
Sticky Note Project
While there are many ways to learn about character traits, representing the information in a visual way makes it easier for your child to compare the traits of various characters. This activity helps kids think more profoundly about the characters in the story they're reading, which will ultimately help them to figure out the deeper meaning of the story.
Grade:
Subjects:
English Language Arts
Reading
Reading Comprehension
Reading Passages
Fiction Passages
Analyze Characters
Comprehension Questions
Thank you for your input.
What You Need:
- A good book to curl up with
- Piece of paper
- Large sticky Notes
- Pencil
- Large piece of paper or poster board
- Crayons, colored pencils, or utensils of your child's choosing
What You Do:
- Begin a general discussion about character traits by asking your child to describe a person of their choosing. Have your child write the description down. Ask your child: How do they know these things about this person? If your child only points out visual descriptions, explain that they can also describe what the person does, what they think, what they say, and (often more important!) how they say it.
- Look at the character traits they've written down and go over them with your child, identifying whether the traits were physical descriptions, actions, or memories of things that person said or did.
- Explain to your child that they can also learn things about the characters in the stories they read by noticing physical descriptions of the characters, their actions, their conversations with other characters, and their personal thoughts. Have your child begin reading the story. Early on in the story, have them pick one of the characters. While they read, ask them to place a sticky note on every page that reveals something about the character. On the sticky note, ask your child to write down the character trait that is revealed on that page. By the end of the story, your child will have accumulated numerous words, thoughts, and actions with which to assemble a complete description of one of the characters in the story.
- Conclude the exercise with a fun art project: Using what your child already knows about the character from their sticky notes, encourage them to think about what the character might do or say right after the book ends. Then, border a large piece of paper with the sticky notes, and inside draw a picture of that new scene using whatever utensils your child selects.
Related learning resources
Sticky Note Stop and Jot
Worksheet
Sticky Note Stop and Jot
Students will respond to literature with Stop & Jots, with or without sticky notes.
2nd Grade
Worksheet
Stop & Jot Sticky Note Sequencing
Worksheet
Stop & Jot Sticky Note Sequencing
In this activity, students will choose stop and jot sticky notes from different parts of the story to practice their sequencing and summarizing skills as they respond to questions about the literature.
2nd Grade
Worksheet
Writing a Thank You Letter
Worksheet
Writing a Thank You Letter
Help kids get familiar with the process of writing a thank you note, so they'll never complain about writer's block again.
3rd Grade
Worksheet
A Series of Events: The Water Cycle
Worksheet
A Series of Events: The Water Cycle
They will read about the water cycle and note the steps in order that they occur.
3rd Grade
Worksheet
Say "Thank You!" to Postal Workers
Activity
Say "Thank You!" to Postal Workers
Have your kid write a thank you note to your local post office to show his appreciation.
3rd Grade
Activity
Novel Study: The One and Only Ivan: Design a Zoo
Worksheet
Novel Study: The One and Only Ivan: Design a Zoo
This worksheet provides a culminating project for Katherine Applegate’s The One and Only Ivan.
3rd Grade
Worksheet
All About the Pledge of Allegiance
Lesson plan
All About the Pledge of Allegiance
...Have your students think of one or two things that the Pledge of Allegiance means to them and write it on a sticky note....
2nd Grade
Lesson plan
Wax Paper Hearts
Activity
Wax Paper Hearts
...We love this snappy, fresh Valentine note project for third graders. Try it and see!...
3rd Grade
Activity
Tree of Cranes
Lesson plan
Tree of Cranes
...Pass out a sticky note to each student and instruct them to write down one thing they learned from the video as they watch....
2nd Grade
Lesson plan
Problem and Solution Bookmark
Worksheet
Problem and Solution Bookmark
...The student is asked to draw a picture or jot down a note about the problems presented in the text and then describe how the issue is resolved....
1st Grade
Worksheet
Frederick Douglass's Words
Lesson plan
Frederick Douglass's Words
...Optional: Give students 2-3 sticky notes each to record any key ideas, words, or thoughts they'd like to take with them for later in the lesson....
2nd Grade
Lesson plan
Leaders in the Journey to the 19th Amendment
Lesson plan
Leaders in the Journey to the 19th Amendment
...Give each student a blank sticky note, and explain that they will write down one fact they learned about their assigned leader throughout the read-aloud....
3rd Grade
Lesson plan
See this activity in a set:
Reading Comprehension Activities for Third Graders