📖

Character Creation Lab

Narrative Writing Launch

Day 12of 180
Week 3of 36
30Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand character development techniques

2

Create a detailed personal narrative character

3

Explore character motivations and traits

📖 Scripture Connection

1 Samuel 16:7

“But Yahweh said to Samuel, 'Don't look on his appearance, or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For Yahweh sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart.'”

— 1 Samuel 16:7 (WEB)

Demonstrates that true character comes from inner qualities, not just external appearances

📦 Materials Needed

  • Story planning graphic organizer
  • Colored pencils
  • Writing paper
  • Character profile worksheet
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Gather students in a circle and ask them to think about a character from a favorite story or movie. What makes that character interesting?

💭 Review Question: What makes a character feel real to you?
2Teaching (10 min)

Explore character development by discussing how characters have unique traits, desires, and challenges

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Characters have strengths and weaknesses
  • Characters want something important
  • Characters change and grow through experiences
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • How do characters show what they care about?
  • What might make a character feel afraid or brave?
3Activity: My Story Character Profile (10 min)
hands-on

Students create a detailed character profile about themselves as the main character in their personal narrative

📝 Instructions:
  1. Draw a stick figure in the center of the page
  2. Around the figure, list 5 personality traits
  3. Write 3 things you're good at
  4. Describe one challenge you've overcome
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Use pre-made character profile template

Challenge: Create a character with internal and external conflicts

4Closing (5 min)

Share character profiles in small groups

📝 Review Questions:
  • What makes your character unique?
  • How might your character grow through a challenge?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, help us see the unique gifts and stories You've given each of us.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll learn how to map out our story's plot

💎 Memory Verse

Proverbs 4:23

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life.”

— Proverbs 4:23 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Heart-shaped character trait mapping

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Students are learning to see themselves as complex, developing characters

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Encourage honest but kind self-reflection
  • Help children identify positive character traits
  • Discuss how challenges help us grow
🤔 Common Struggles:

Some children might feel uncomfortable sharing personal details

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Thoughtful engagement with character development concept

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Create a character sketch in colored pencils
  • Write a short dialogue showing character's personality
  • Interview a family member about a personal growth story

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 13 →Back to Language Arts