Anchor Mini Lesson for Reader’s Workshop
Month/ Grade: October/ Kindergarten
Objective: Identifying Character Feelings
Teacher Notes:This is an introductory lesson. Characters are the heart of stories and the element that connects directly to the reader.Materials: Book – Crazy Hair Day by Barney Saltzberg
Feeling Mat
Develop a Concept: 8 minutes
Give each child a Feeling Mat.
The teacher will say-“As I read, I want you to decide how you think they’re feeling.Point to the face that shows that feeling.”
Read statements-
“My birthday is finally here,” Scott said with a smile. He tore open the big box that was on the kitchen table and cheered.
Turn and show your partner the face you picked.
Explain why you choose that picture.”
Mark is not sure which way to go. He thinks the playground is nearby. He hopes to see someone he knows who can help him.
Turn and show your partner the face you picked.
Explain why you choose that picture.”
Jack’s mother grabbed his hand. She pointed at the cars rushing by. She told him in a loud voice that he must stay with her.
Turn and show your partner the face you picked.
Explain why you choose that picture.”
Ann was crying. She wished her friend has not moved. She thought about her every day. Turn and show your partner the face you picked.
Explain why you choose that picture.”
Practice a Concept: 15 minutes
As you read Crazy Hair Day by Barney Saltzberg the students will be using the feeling mat to describe how Stanley is feeling.
“We will be working on identifying character feelings today. Understanding how a character feels helps us understand the story. You will use the feeling mat to help you remember how the character changes throughout the story.”
Stopping points:
1st- Stop at “You are going to be late if you don’t hurry!” said his mother.
“How is Stanley feeling now? Place a chip on the picture that shows that feeling.” Model your thinking for the students to demonstrate how Stanley is feeling.“I think Stanley is feeling excited because he likes how his hair has turned out for Crazy Hair Day.”
2nd- Everybody laughed. Stanley ran to the bathroom.
“How is Stanleyfeeling now? Place a chip on the picture that shows that feeling. Turn and Talk to your partner this time and talk about how you think Stanley is feeling now.”
3rd - “A new world record by me, Stanley Birdbaum!”
“How is Stanley feeling now? Place a chip on the picture that shows that feeling. Turn and Talk to your partner this time and talk about how you think Stanley is feeling now.”
4th–Stanley stood in front of his class.
“How is Stanley feeling now? Place a chip on the picture that shows how Stanley is feeling and explain to your partner.”
5th – At the end of the book.
“How is Stanley feeling now? Place a chip on the picture that shows how Stanley is feeling and explain to your partner.”
Start to develop an anchor chart using the “Character Feeling Mat” for character feelings to hang in the classroom using the words that described Stanley. (upset, sad, surprised, happy)
See the attached pictures and words to assist in creating an anchor chart.
Additional Practice: See the attached story that may be read for additional practice. Students may use the feeling mat to identify how they think the character is feeling.
happy
/ upset
/ angry
/ scared
confused
/ embarrassed
/ excited
/ worried
Jane had a smile on her face. She was wearing her new dress. It was time to go to school. Mom told Jane to put on her shoes. Jane could not find her shoes. “Hurry Jane! Get your shoes on right now or you will be late!” her mom called. Jane could not find her nice shoes. She had to wear her old shoes.
At school, Jane’s teacher said, “Jane your dress is so pretty. You look beautiful today. This made Jane smile.
Soon it was lunch time. At lunch, Jane spilled milk on her new dress. “Ha, Ha!” laughed the boys. “You look like a mess.” Jane started to cry.
When Jane got home, her mother said she would wash the dress and it would be as good as new. When Jane saw her clean dress she jumped up and down.
tired
nervous
confused
sick
silly
sad
scared
happy
upset
surprised
lonely
excited
angry