In this activity, I have asked students to work on identifying character development in fictional stories. In the document, I have two short stories that are great examples of character development that the class could read together so we can identify the development. I have then created a guideline for students to follow as they read their own novels or short stories. My goal is to provide students with a piece of text that they can refer back to and continue to follow when we discuss and analyze character development. An activity like this uses the gradual release process and a guided worksheet that allows the lesson to be scaffolded. Some students may be able to identify certain things within writing without an organizer, but this can help reinforce the concepts that they should be looking for when reading.
At times it can be hard to know what we should be looking for while reading and how to identify certain concepts. Mentor texts are used so we can create a foundation for writing and reading. They help students take reasonable risks within their own writing and thinking. These mentor texts help us understand different writing techniques and skills, they can be used as a model, or to introduce new ideas. Creating this source has allowed me to realize the benefit of using them. Students do not always come into your classroom knowing how they are supposed to process texts and create their own. Having a foundation introduces a more even playing field for all students. It can also help them access higher-level thinking once they have been able to understand a practice the skills that are being taught and expected.
