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Captivating Characters

Captivating Characters

After reading or listening to a story that emphasizes empathy and kindness, students will create figurines of some of the captivating characters.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Craft Materials
  • Toothpick(s)

Steps

  • Step 1

    Have students read or listen to audio stories that emphasize caring and empathy. They could be classics such as "Charlotte's Web" or "Beauty and the Beast" or newer books such as the Newbery award winner "The One and Only Ivan" by Katherine Applegate. Ask them to note times in the story when the characters expressed kindness.

  • Step 2

    Have students create some of the story's characters out of Model Magic. They can embellish the figures with paint and craft items such as toothpicks, fabric scraps, or anything else.

  • Step 3

    When the figures are dry, ask students to reenact some of the key points of the story using their creations and interview the characters about their feelings.

Standards

LA: Add drawings of other visual displays to written text to clarify ideas, thoughts, and feelings.

LA: Describe how characters in a story respond to major events, challenges, and other characters.

SEL: Social Awareness: Empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and contexts.

Adaptations

Have students work in small groups to write an original scene about characters who practice empathy and kindness, then ask them to present it to the class.

Ask students to research what months or weeks in celebration calendars pertain to kindness or empathy. For example October is National Bullying Prevention Month and February is Kindness Month. Encourage students to create a poster to promote the importance of kindness and empathy.