Title – Winn-Dixie Character Bag Project

By – Dawn Martin

Primary Subject – Language Arts

Secondary Subject – Other

Grade Level – 4th

Notes:

1. Winn-Dixie is a southern grocery chain.
2. 
   Because of Winn-Dixie
   
   is a Newberry Honor book that tells the story of a lonely ten-year-old, India Opal, who is new in town. Opal rescues a stray dog and names him Winn Dixie after the grocery store where she finds him. Together they make friends with a variety of eccentric characters and learn some important lessons.

Sunshine State Standards:

• LA.4.1.7.3
• LA.4.2.1.2

Subject/Topic:

• Characterization

Duration:

• 2 days – 30 minute sessions

Learner objectives:

• The learner will be able to identify items that represent the character of India Opal.
• Students will be able to justify why each item represents this character.
• The students will then analyze themselves and create their own character bag.

Lesson Presentation:

• Introduction:
  • The teacher will lead the class in a discussion or overview of the novel
    
    Because of Winn-Dixie
    
    . This discussion will focus on the relationship that India has with other characters and how they help to shape her character.
  • The teacher will also discuss what can determine a person’s character.

• Guided practice:
  • The teacher will split the students into groups of approximately four students each.
  • The teacher will ask the students to help each other brainstorm ideas on what they think could reflect the character of India Opal.
  • Each group will then draw one item that they feel represents India’s character.
  • Each group will then explain their item to the class and why it represents India’s character.
  • Each item will be placed into the characterization bag.

• Independent practice:
  • Have the students create their own characterization bag.
  • Instruct the students to find 10 items that best represent their character.
  • Instruct the students that they must decorate the outside of the bag. Students will create this for homework and bring it back the next day.
  • In class, each student will take about two minutes and present their bag to the class. They will briefly explain each item that they chose to the class.

• Assessment:
  • In class group assignment:
    • Checklist
      • participation
      • higher level thinking in questions and responses
      • each group came up with one item
      • each group could effectively explain item
    • Each item worth 5 points – Total 20 points

  • Homework and oral presentation thereof:
    • Checklist
      • 10 items (1 point each)
      • represents character well
      • prepared for oral presentation
      • decorated outside of bag
      • neatness of product
      • overall oral communication
    • Each item worth 5 points unless otherwise noted – Total 35 points

ESOL Accommodations:

• Spanish/English dictionaries available
  
• Group work for in-class assignment (student-student assistance)
  
• Send homework directions in both languages

Materials:

• Brown grocery bag
  
• 
  Because of Winn-Dixie
  
  
• Construction Paper
  
• Markers/crayons
  
• Letter of explanation for homework assignment

Extension Activities:

• Have students write a guided journal from the perspective of Sweetie Pie.
• Instruction for students below:
  • Write a journal entry from Sweetie Pie’s point of view about her experiences at the Egg Salad Party in the novel.
  • Describe how she feels and what she is thinking.
  • This is a one-page assignment.

Resources and References:

DiCamillo, Kate (2000).

Because of Winn-Dixie.

New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.

E-Mail

Dawn Martin

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