Character Traits in Literature (Mentor Texts)

This resource supports the Common Core Literacy Standards for Character Traits.

RL 2.3 Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges

RL 3.3 Describe characters in a story (their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events

RL 4.3 Describe in depth a character, drawing on specific details in the text (a character's thoughts, words, or actions)

Picture books (mentor texts) are great ways to teach reading! In this product you will be able to read authentic engaging texts to your students to teach the concept of character traits in literature. Kids of all ages love picture books. It is a great way to keep students engaged while you teach character traits. I have picked 12 of my favorite picture books that showcase character traits.

With each story that you read aloud to your class, there is a character traits and evidence page for the students to fill out. The students can draw a picture of the character they choose, write two character traits of that character, and then write evidence from the text that tells why that trait belongs to that character. For the evidence the students can use a quote from the book or use details based on the character's motivations/behaviors. For each story I provided an example of a character, two character traits, and a piece of evidence for each character trait. These are possible answers that you can model with. There is also a blank character trait page that you can use with any other picture book that you think your class would enjoy. Enjoy reading authentic literature to your class!

Check out the other Mentor Text Series:

Mentor Texts to teach Cause & Effect

Mentor Texts to teach Central Message and Theme

Mentor Texts to teach Types of Conflict

Mentor Texts to teach Point of View

Mentor Texts to teach Growth Mindset