Internal & External Character Traits

Introduction

• Ask students to describe what you look like. Allow them to talk with a partner for a moment, then call on volunteers to shout out words that describe your physical appearance (e.g., tall, brown hair). Prompt students with guiding questions if needed (e.g., "What color is my hair?"). Explain that the words they shared describe the way you look on the outside.
• Then ask students to describe your personality. Allow them to talk to a partner for another moment, then call on volunteers to shout out words that describe your character (e.g., nice, strict, smart). Again, prompt students if needed (e.g., "How do I act when I teach math?"). Tell students that the words they shared this time describe the way you are on the inside.
• Explain that people who don't know you will only see the outside (how you look), but people who know you or interact with you will recognize the parts that are inside (how you act, think, or speak).
• Tell students that today they will be learning some words and phrases that describe people's traits, the things that make them who they are. Explain that they will use the descriptive words they learn to compare and contrast people and characters.