This document outlines a project-based learning unit called "Aren't We All Characters". The unit allows students to analyze characters from various literary genres and develop critical thinking skills. Students will create character profiles, biographies, and other publications to explore how fictional characters relate to real people. The goal is for students to improve their reading comprehension and apply what they've learned to developing original characters and stories. The teacher will facilitate independent student work in groups. Standards and objectives focus on investigating and expressing opinions about characters, their motivations, and influences.

1. Aren't We All
Characters
Mr. Dorian Brooks 5th Grade Class
English Language Arts

2. What is Project-Based
Learning?
• Project-Based learning in the classroom is an opportunity for the students
to directly engage with the learning material. The teacher establishes the
project as a facilitator and the students use technology and critical thinking
skills where otherwise they would have to resort to rote strategies. Project-
based learning and it's activities allow the students to directly engage their
interests. It is an effective method for differentiated instruction.
• My classroom will become an environment for the students to use the
project to sprout and develop skills and talents. The classroom will take the
concept of the final project and it's activities and tailor it to each student in
multiple groups so that everyone can work together cohesively creating a
high-standard learning achievment.

3. Benefits
• Aren't We All Characters is an analytical unit.
• Students will explore characters from all genres of literature developing
critical thinking.
• The student-centered structure of the project will allow students to become
publishers and access full creative control.
• Students will be free to express opinions and use them in a productive
manner.
• Students will enjoy the many complex elements of characters and story-
telling.

4. Unit Summary
• Aren't We All Characters is a project-based unit where students can utilize
their individual and combined skills. They will develop publications and a
website platform building character profiles and bios. They will critically
analyze characters through communication and interviews relating fiction
to their everyday experiences with people. The unit will work toward the
students having an understanding where they can take their reading skills
and evolve what they have learned into them building characters and
stories.

5. Standards/Objectives
STANDARDS
• Use a range of strategies, including drawing
conclusions such as opinions about characters
based on their actions and summarizing
passages, to comprehend fifth-grade recreational
reading materials in a variety of genres.
• Recognize the use and effect of literary elements
and devices, including setting, character traits,
stated purpose, metaphors, and simple symbolism
to gain information from various text formats,
including tables and charts.
• Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem
from details in the text, including how characters
in a story or drama respond to challenges or how
the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic;
summarize the text.
OBJECTIVES
Students will be able to:
1. Investigate, comprehend, develop, and record
detailed opinions about characters from the
material they read.
2. For journalistic, editorial, and recreational type
writings and video media using elements and and
structure from traditional literature.
3. Create and develop reflective and narrative stories
and poems using complex and developed
characters.
4. Communicate with people and adapt gathered
information for creative purposes.
5. Display an expression of multi-cultural voices and
images collaborating with others and displaying
identities of multiple characters.

6. Character Questions
Essential
1. What motivates people?
Unit
1. Are the characters politically, personally, or externally motivated?
2. How much of an effect do specific events in the story or narrative have of the
character's actions?
Content
1. Who are the people your characters are directly connected to?
2. What 3-4 major events have changed or influenced your character the most?
3. Where are your main characters from. [Describe in detail].

7. Our Roles
Teacher/Parent
• Create, provide, and
become resources
for the students to
progress and
succeed indepently
throughout the
unit.
Student
• Think Critically
• Use experiences and
data you have read to
gain a greater
understanding of people
and fictional characters.
• Have Fun while learning.
• Be creative.
• Discovering your
strengths and skills.

8. Contact
YOU CAN REACH MR. BROOKS USING MULTIPLE METHODS
Phone: 205-646-0000
Email: drbrooks@crimson.ua.edu
Twitter: @callhimbrooks
Skype: dbrooksog