Lesson Plan | Active Methodology | Writing Descriptions for Characters

Premises: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class duration, prior student study both with the Book and the beginning of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be carried out during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a large part of the available time.

Objectives

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

This stage of the lesson plan aims to establish a clear understanding of the objectives that students need to achieve regarding character descriptions. By outlining specific skills, students will focus on how to utilize descriptive language and sensory details while writing about characters. This purpose serves to motivate and direct students towards developing their creative writing skills, enabling them to transform simple character outlines into vivid portrayals that resonate with readers.

Main Objectives:

1. Students will learn to use descriptive language effectively to create engaging character sketches.

2. Students will practice employing sensory details to enhance their character descriptions.

Introduction

Duration: 15 - 20 minutes

This stage is designed to engage students by presenting them with real-world scenarios that necessitate the use of descriptive language. By exploring problem situations that require them to utilise their previously acquired knowledge, students will actively recall their learning. Contextualization connects the lesson to their lives, sparking interest and emphasizing the relevance of character descriptions in storytelling, which ultimately contributes to their overall understanding and application of the skill.

Problem-Based Situation

1. Imagine a character named Thandi who is a shy girl. She enters the school play auditions but feels nervous and unsure of herself. How can we use descriptive language to convey her feelings and personality to the audience?

2. Think about a new character, Bongani, who is known for his bright clothes and infectious laughter. How can we describe his appearance and the way he makes others feel using vivid, sensory details?

Contextualization

Describing characters vividly is crucial not only in stories but also in our everyday lives. When we share tales about our friends or family, the way we paint a picture of them shapes how others perceive them. For example, when telling a story about a fun day at the park, describing how your friend laughed with their eyes twinkling in the sunlight can make the story more engaging. Moreover, South African culture is rich with colourful characters, each with their unique traits, which can inspire students to think about the characters in their communities and heritage, making their descriptions relatable and significant.

Development

Duration: 70 - 80 minutes

This development stage is designed to immerse students in engaging activities that allow them to apply their understanding of descriptive language in a hands-on manner. By working collaboratively, students explore creative ways to portray characters, enhancing not only their writing skills but also their ability to work as a team. The activities encourage active participation, critical thinking, and the use of sensory details, making the process of learning both enjoyable and effective.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended that only one of the suggested activities be carried out

Activity 1 - The Character Marketplace

> Duration: 60 - 70 minutes

- Objective: To allow students to creatively apply descriptive language by creating engaging character portrayals, enhancing their understanding of sensory details in writing.

- Description: In this vibrant activity, students will set up a 'marketplace' where each group creates a unique character stall. They will envision their character as if they were selling their traits at a bustling market. Each stall must showcase a chosen character along with descriptive posters that highlight sensory details about them—like what they look like, how they move, and what their voices sound like. Students can bring props or even dress up slightly to embody their characters, making it a fun and engaging experience. The other groups will then visit the stalls to learn about the different characters and vote for the most engaging description!

- Instructions:

• 1. Divide students into groups of up to 5.
• 2. Each group brainstorms and selects a character to represent. They can draw characters from their favorite stories, mutating them with local culture, or even create their own.
• 3. Using poster paper or cardboard, they create an eye-catching stall showcasing their character. They should include descriptions that employ sensory details and vivid adjectives.
• 4. After creation, each group presents their stall to the class while standing by it and embodying their character.
• 5. Once all stalls are presented, each student gets a chance to visit each stall, interacting with the characters and learning about them.
• 6. Finally, students cast a vote for the stall with the best character description.

Activity 2 - Descriptive Detective Challenge

> Duration: 60 - 70 minutes

- Objective: To promote teamwork, critical thinking, and the use of descriptive language as students unlock the identity of different characters through clues.

- Description: In this exciting mystery activity, students will become 'Descriptive Detectives.' They will receive a series of clues that describe various characters, perhaps from literature, local legends, or even movies. Students must decipher the clues, sketch the character based on the descriptions, and work together to come up with a creative backstory. By collaborating to put the pieces together, they will enhance their skills in using descriptive language and deepen their understanding of character development.

- Instructions:

• 1. Organize students into groups of 5.
• 2. Provide each group with a set of character clues that describe a character without naming them.
• 3. Groups discuss the clues, sketch their interpretations of the character, and create a backstory that reflects their personality.
• 4. After drafting, each group presents their character, sketch, and backstory to the class.
• 5. A mini 'detective' contest is held where groups guess the characters based on the presented descriptions.

Activity 3 - Character Charades

> Duration: 60 - 70 minutes

- Objective: To foster spontaneous descriptive language skills and engage students in the non-verbal portrayal of characters.

- Description: In this lively activity, students will play a game of charades, where they will act out characters from a list written on cards. Each student pulls a card, identifies the character, and must use body language and facial expressions to convey that character to their group. The other group members must then guess who they are portraying. To enrich the exercise, after each guess, students will describe the character using rich, descriptive language, incorporating sensory details that align with the performance.

- Instructions:

• 1. Form small groups of 5 people.
• 2. Prepare a set of character cards that include both well-known and local characters.
• 3. Each student takes a turn pulling a card and performs the character without speaking.
• 4. Once the group guesses correctly, they must work together to describe that character using vivid adjectives and sensory details.
• 5. Continue until every student has had a chance to perform and describe.

Feedback

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

This feedback stage is designed to consolidate students' learning by encouraging them to reflect on their experiences and share insights with their peers. By discussing their character portrayals and the techniques they used, students solidify their understanding of descriptive language. This collaborative dialogue fosters a sense of community in the classroom and creates an opportunity for constructive feedback, enhancing their writing skills further.

Group Discussion

Let's gather around and share our experiences! Each group will take turns explaining what they learned during our character activities. Think about how you used descriptive language and sensory details to portray your characters. Who was your character, and how did you bring them to life? What did you enjoy most about the activities? Let’s hear your thoughts, and don’t forget to listen to each other’s insights!

Key Questions

1. What techniques did you find most effective when describing your character?

2. How did using sensory details enhance your character descriptions?

3. What feedback do you have for your peers based on their character portrayals?

Conclusion

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

The purpose of this conclusion stage is to consolidate the learning experience by summarizing key takeaways from the lesson. It aims to connect theoretical concepts with practical application, reinforcing the importance of descriptive language in both creative writing and real-life situations. By reflecting on the day’s activities and their significance, students will recognise how the skills they developed today will serve them in their future writing endeavors and everyday interactions.

Summary

In today's lesson, students explored the art of writing character descriptions by engaging in a variety of fun and interactive activities. They transformed theoretical knowledge of descriptive language into practical applications, creating vivid portrayals of characters through sensory details, making their writing come alive. From setting up character stalls at the 'Character Marketplace' to acting out characters in 'Character Charades,' students honed their skills while collaborating and sharing ideas. Throughout these activities, they learned how to use adjectives and sensory words effectively, enriching their storytelling abilities.

Theory Connection

This lesson connected theory to practice by integrating the previously learned concepts of descriptive language with hands-on activities that required students to apply those concepts creatively. The activities not only reinforced their understanding of descriptive techniques but also highlighted the importance of collaboration and teamwork in the writing process. By participating actively, students were able to see how their descriptive skills could shape the way characters are perceived, both in their writing and in everyday life.

Closing

In closing, the ability to describe characters effectively extends beyond the classroom. Whether sharing stories about friends or expressing feelings about a community member, descriptive language helps to create connections and convey emotions clearly. By mastering the skills learned today, students will not only enhance their writing but also enrich their conversations and interactions in daily life. Understanding how to portray characters vividly allows them to bring stories to life and express themselves more authentically, a valuable skill across all areas of communication.