Reading Comprehension: Character Study
To develop deeper understanding of story characters through systematic character analysis activities.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Literacy
- Learning area: Literacy
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Describes character traits
- Identifies character feelings
- Explains character motivations
- Tracks character change across a story
Materials
- Character outline templates
- Feeling words display
- Thought bubble templates
- Rich picture books
Instructions
Choose books with well-developed characters: 'Dogger' (Dave), 'Not Now Bernard' (Bernard), 'Amazing Grace' (Grace). These characters have clear personalities, feelings, and motivations.
After reading, complete a character profile together: 'Let's think about Grace. What does she look like? How does she feel at the beginning? What does she want? What does she DO?'
Use a large character outline. Inside, write or draw: feelings (in the heart area), thoughts (in the head area), actions (in the hands area). This physical mapping makes abstract analysis concrete.
Explore character change: 'How does Grace feel at the START of the story? And at the END? She changed! Why did she change? What happened to make her feel different?'
Compare characters across books: 'Grace and Dave are both determined characters — they both really want something and keep trying. But Grace wants to act and Dave wants his toy.'
Hot-seating: a child sits in the 'character chair' and the class asks questions: 'Grace, why do you want to be Peter Pan?' The child answers in character. This develops empathy and comprehension.