Classroom Activities:

Identify Character Traits

1. After reading the page, discuss character traits of each of the main characters. Clues in the text provide a basis for making some judgments about character traits. Based on evidence in the text, what can the students tell about Simon, Adèle, and Aunt Cécile?
2. Create a chart to record student responses. See example below. New traits may be added to the chart as new evidence is revealed about each character’s traits throughout the book.
3. Depending on the grade level, the teacher may work on the chart with students, or students may complete an individual or group chart. Scaffold students toward independent completion of their chart if appropriate.

	Traits	Clues from Text (Evidence)
Simon	Simon likes outdoor adventure. Simon is carefree.	He is packing many items that may be useful in the outdoors. He tells Adèle not to worry about his losing things.
Adèle	Adèle is helpful. Adèle is a worrier.	She helped Simon organize his things. She implores Simon not to lose anything on the trip.
Aunt Cécile	Cécile thinks ahead.	She labeled Simon's items with her name and address.

Standards: NL-ENG.K-12.2 Reading for Understanding; NL-ENG.K-12.4 Communication Skills; NL-ENG.K-12.6 Applying Knowledge; NL-ENG.K-12.12 Applying Language Skills