Lesson Plan: Exploring Characters in "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi"
Grade Level
5th Grade
Duration
30 Minutes
Subject
Literature
Common Core Standards
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.1: Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.3: Analyze how characters in a story respond to challenges and how this shapes the characters' perspectives.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language.
Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Identify and describe the main characters of "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi."
- Analyze how the characteristics of each character affect the story.
- Engage in discussion about character motivations and relationships.
Materials Needed
- Copies of "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" by Rudyard Kipling
- Chart paper or whiteboard
- Markers
- Character traits graphic organizer
- Sticky notes
Introduction (5 Minutes)
- Hook: Read a brief excerpt from "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" that introduces Rikki-Tikki and the setting.
- Discussion: Ask students who they think the main character is and what they might infer about him based only on the text.
Direct Instruction (10 Minutes)
Overview of Main Characters
- Rikki-Tikki-Tavi: The main protagonist, a courageous and curious mongoose.
- Nag and Nagaina: The antagonistic cobras that threaten Rikki-Tikki's home and family.
- Tavi and Darzee: Other characters that provide help and commentary in the story.
Character Traits Discussion
- Rikki-Tikki-Tavi: Discuss traits such as bravery, determination, and intelligence.
- Nag and Nagaina: Explore their characteristics like cunning, dangerousness, and family loyalty.
- Darzee: Mention how he represents the community and sometimes acts cowardly.
Point to Remember
Emphasize how understanding these traits is essential to infer motivations and predict actions in the story.
Guided Practice (10 Minutes)
-
Character Traits Activity:
- Distribute graphic organizers.
- Ask students to fill in the chart with character names, traits, and examples from the text that support their ideas.
- Allow students to work with a partner to discuss their findings.
-
Class Discussion: After students have completed the organizers, lead a discussion prompting students to share what they learned about each character. Use the whiteboard to jot down their points.
Independent Practice (5 Minutes)
- Character Reflection: Students will choose one character (either Rikki-Tikki, Nag, or Nagaina) and write a short paragraph reflecting on what challenges that character faces and how it in turn shapes their actions. Encourage use of textual evidence in their responses.
Conclusion (5 Minutes)
- Share Reflections: Invite students to share their independent paragraphs with a partner. Ask them to discuss how their character’s traits influenced the story's outcome.
- Wrap-Up: Reinforce the lesson by highlighting the importance of character analysis in understanding literature.
Assessment
- Observe student participation during discussions and group activities.
- Review character traits graphic organizers for understanding of character relationships and traits.
- Evaluate written paragraphs for insight into character motivations and textual support.
Homework
Ask students to read an additional chapter of "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" and jot down any new character traits they discover about Rikki-Tikki or his foes. They will share these observations in the next class.
This lesson plan aims to engage 5th graders with serious literature analysis while promoting critical thinking skills aligned with the Common Core standards.