Create Your Own Character for a Story Summer Camp

Completed by 159 learners

Ages 8-12

Live Group Class

In this 3 day class, students will create their own story character that has a backstory, motivation, physical traits, and more.

Lisa Rohloff

Average rating:

4.8

Number of reviews:

(361 reviews)

Rising Star

Live video meetings

3x per week, 1 week

4-9 learners per class

45 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What’s included

3 live meetings

2 hrs 15 mins in-class hours

Homework

2-4 hours per week. Students will write a character description.

Assessment

After turning their character description in to me, students will receive a certificate of completion and feedback.

Class Experience

US Grade 3 - 6

In this class, students will meet 3 times in one week. They will use their imagination to develop a character for a story. First, we will discuss who their favorite story characters are and why. Then students will use a 6 page Character Development Workbook to  design the physical traits, backstory, and motivation of their character. They can draw their character's family tree, sketch the neighborhood or imaginary world, and write a monologue. Finally, students will use the information they've put in their worksheets and what they've learned about character development to write a 100 - 300 word character description. In Lesson #3, students will have the opportunity to read their character descriptions to the class.
Students should be able to read and write English at a 4th grade level or higher to succeed in this class.

Learning Goals

Students will learn the following:
- Why it is important to develop a character before writing them into a story.
- How to develop the physical characteristics, back story, and motivation of a character.
- What a character monologue is and how to write one.
- Identify and discuss good examples of character descriptions.
- Write  their own 100 - 300 word character description.

Other Details

Parental Guidance

Students will be given clear instructions and materials to allow them to complete both homework assignments independently.

Supply List

Students should print out the Character Development Worksheets prior to the first lesson. It is not necessary to print this in color.

1 file available upon enrollment

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Sources

There is a 6 page Character Defvelopment Workbook for the students to print out before the first lesson begins.

Meet the teacher

Lisa Rohloff

Joined April, 2020

4.8

361reviews

Rising Star

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

2 Degrees

Master’s Degree from University of Wisconsin-Stout

Bachelor’s Degree from Ashford University

I love working with kids! I have 14 years of teaching experience, and I have taught in both traditional school settings and as a homeschool parent. I am passionate about helping kids at all levels of their reading and writing journey. It's so exciting when I see a student gain confidence as a reader/writer or when I can help a young aspiring writer achieve their dreams.

My writing experience includes writing copy for marketing materials, ghost writing for corporate executives, technical writing, writing newspaper articles, and writing instructions for digital technology applications. Managing a corporate internal newsletter was one of my favorite projects. I created the newsletter design, interviewed and wrote articles about team members, and managed the editing and submission process for all the contributors. As a hobby, I love to write short stories, poetry, and songs. I can't imagine my life without writing.

My education includes a BA in Communications and a Master of Science in Technical and Professional Communication (MSTPC). Because I have completed 2 years of my BA and all of my MS classes online, I am skilled with the various aspects of online learning. I love using what I have learned to help kids become better at reading and writing.