Length:
Materials
- Cardstock shaped into two large cubes (like dice)
- Several familiar texts (books you've read with students previously or are familiar with)
Curriculum Standards
Analyze how differences in the points of view of the characters and the audience or reader (e.g., created through the use of dramatic irony) create such effects as suspense or humor.
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
Instructions
- Begin by showing our Study.com lesson Point of View of Characters vs. the Reader.
- Create a chart labeled 'Point of View,' 'Pronoun Used,' 'What the Character Sees,' 'What the Reader Sees.'
- With your students, review the different points of view from the video, filling out the chart as you go.
- Ask:
- Which point of view gives the reader the most information?
- Which point of view allows the reader to hear and see character's thoughts?
- Why do authors choose different points of view?
- Which point of view do you prefer to read? Why?
- Use the familiar texts you pulled earlier to give examples of differing points of view if students need more reinforcement with the concept.
Activity
- With your students, write the different points of view on one cube. You'll need to repeat a few.
- Choose a familiar fairy tale with your students. If there isn't one most students are familiar with, choose and retell one.
- Write the names of the characters on the sides of the second cube, one name per side. Repeat characters if necessary.
- Roll the dice together to show a point of view and character name. Retell part of the story from that perspective.
- If playing in teams, allow students to take turns changing points of view and sharing new perspectives.
- Discuss how the story changes when different points of view are used.
Extensions
- Ask students to find their favorite picture book from childhood and discuss how the point of view impacted their feelings.
- When reading informational text, compare points of view and discuss how this is used in both fiction and nonfiction.
- Share an article from an age-appropriate magazine. Have students rewrite the main ideas from a different point of view.
