'Because of Mr. Terupt' Character Illustrations

For the past few weeks, our 5th-grade students have been exploring the characters from the book Because of Mr. Terupt. This novel provides a unique glimpse into the lives of a group of fifth-grade students with a wide variety of personalities and lived experiences. Our students have learned to compare and contrast the characters’ perspectives, allowing them to understand the complexities of each character. 

Comparing and contrasting characters is a vital component of our curriculum. This skill not only enhances students’ reading comprehension but also fosters empathy and critical thinking. By examining each character’s motivations, backgrounds, and interactions, students have developed a greater appreciation for what makes each character unique in the story. Students have had the opportunity to see how different perspectives contribute to the overall narrative.

This week, we took our exploration a step further. Each student selected their favorite character and described them in one word that encapsulates their character as a whole. They then supported their choice with specific examples and evidence from the text, showcasing how these characters exhibit their traits through their actions and dialogue. This exercise not only encouraged students to articulate their thoughts but also reinforced the importance of backing up opinions with textual evidence, a key skill in both reading and writing.

It's been so fun watching students' learning come to life in such a fun and creative way!.  Despite there being only six characters to choose from, the variation between each student’s illustration helped us learn about the complexities and growth each character exhibits throughout the novel. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of this unit has been witnessing the growth and enthusiasm of our students. Students were so excited to showcase their learning using art and creativity. As we continue our work with reading this year, we will build upon these skills and carry our excitement for reading into new stories!