1. Characterization and Defining Moments Mini-Lesson

2. How are these babies the same? How are these babies different? Do you think they will have life experiences that are similar? Do you think they will all change as they grow and mature?

3. Think back to when you learned to ride a bike. Was this a BIG moment for you? Did it change you? Do you think these children are proud of themselves? Does it matter where they come from or where they live?

4. Defining Moments are…. When events happen to us that change what we think, how we act, and they way we view ourselves and the world. Sometimes defining moments are something that we accomplish, sometimes they are part of our heritage, sometimes they are the result of things that we can’t control~ things that just happen to us. Defining moments happen to ALL people.

5. Sometimes our cultural events become defining moments. Even those these children have different beliefs and come from different parts of the world, do you think that these events are all important and life changing for each of them?

6. Defining Moments and Dynamic Characters in Stories Dynamic characters in stories are just like people around the world who experience defining moments. Dynamic character are interesting because they change due to events in the story. We can make text to self connections to these characters because we experience defining moments that change us.

7. Walter Dean Myers and Defining Moments Can you think of any defining moments that Walter Dean Myers has had so far in the book?

8. Group Work and Tasks Read the text at your desk. As you read, discuss and record in a bubble map events that may change the main character. After you have read, write 2-3 sentences that tell how the main character is dynamic. How has the main character changed? When you are finished, explore making a double bubble map on “bubble us.” We are going to use this program more in the months to come.