Welcome back to a new school year! Since the school year is in full swing, we will be continuing our Literacy Blog to provide some fun tips and activities for beginning, independent, and emerging readers. We ended our series with identification of the story setting. This month, we will be focusing on another Story Element- Character Traits.
What is the purpose of identifying character traits? Character traits help readers understand the characters in a story. It helps the reader to understand why the characters do what they do.
A Character Trait is a description of a character in the story. These traits can be outer or external traits or inner or internal traits.
Outer traits or external traits are easier to introduce. These are traits that are physical. Ask yourself; what can I see?
Some examples of outer or external traits are eye color, height, hair color, etc.
Inner or Internal traits can be a little tougher to identify because these are traits you must infer (inferring is when you use clues the author gives you and your own knowledge to recognize traits) in order to determine something. Ask yourself; what clues is the author giving me? What do I know about that?
Some examples of internal traits are what a character says, actions they do and feelings, or thoughts they have. An example of an internal trait is “Jean went over to console a friend who was crying.” This may be an example of a character being sympathetic, because they are empathetic towards a friend who is unhappy.
You can apply this to any book (board books, picture books, and chapter books.)
Here are some books that showcase Character Traits
Activities
The following activities will provide practice in identifying external and internal traits of characters you encounter as you read.
Activity: What Are Your External and Internal Traits?
- You will need 2 body outline templates; these can be found online, or you can draw them yourself. Label one sheet, “External Traits,” and label the other, “Internal Traits.” (see the images below)
- Identify your External Traits: Begin by focusing on your External Traits. (External Traits are your appearance) Use adjectives to describe your appearance, or your External Traits. What color is your hair? What color are your eyes? Describe your height. Write these describing words on the “External Traits” sheet. Write the words on the outside of the body image.
- Once you have documented your External Traits, use the second image to describe your Internal Traits. Remember, these traits cannot be seen from the outside. (Internal Traits encompass your personality, emotions, skills, and interests)
Write these words on the inside of the body outline.
*Personality traits: friendly, confident * emotions (grumpy, sad),
*Skills (artist, athlete) * interests (reading, cooking).
By following these directions and using body outlines on paper to describe External and Internal Traits, you can create a visual representation of any individual or character.
Extend and Explore
In the story Nobody Hugs a Cactus by Carter Goodrich, Hank changed his feelings and attitude (internal traits) during the story. Draw a picture of Hank at the beginning of the story, and another picture of him at the end of the story. You can see how Hank’s unique traits contributed to his personality and played a role in how the story develops.
Activity: Which Wall
This fun activity helps to explore and understand different character traits and will help your reader understand the difference between External and Internal Traits.
1. Gather two index cards. Write EXTERNAL TRAITS on one card & INTERNAL TRAITS on the other card.
2.Tape the cards on opposite walls.
3. Have your reader stand in the middle of the room.
4. Say a character trait and your young reader will go to the wall it matches. For example, if you say “bossy”, they will go to the “Internal Traits” wall.
Need a wordlist to get you started? Here are a few suggestions:
| External Traits | tall | short | brown hair | fuzzy tail | freckled | well dressed | floppy ears | green eyes |
| Internal Traits | bossy | lazy | curious | alert | jealous | shy | outgoing | creative |
Extend and Explore
Using several index cards, write different character traits on each card. Place the cards, face down, and take 1 card from the pile. Without anyone else seeing the card, the reader will describe a scenario or situation that exemplifies the word on the card. For example, if the card says “honesty” the reader might describe a situation where someone finds a lost wallet and returns it to its owner.
Practice Makes Perfect!
Understanding character traits is important to help a reader understand the story. Identifying character traits can help the reader understand a character’s motives, feelings, and actions. You can practice identifying external and internal traits in any book. Your reader can even think about external and internal traits of themselves or family members.
Be sure to check out our Beginning Reader and Early Learning Kits, available in the YS Department.
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Erin
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Karen
Welcome to our series, all about getting to know our very special Youth Services staff members at the Barrington Area Library! Each month, we'll publish an interview with one of our lovely staff members. Up next we have Youth Services Assistant Erin!
What is your favorite part of working at the Barrington Area Library?
My favorite part of working at the library is the people. I am fortunate to work with such a kind, fun, and creative staff. It is also great to see both familiar faces and new faces enjoying the Youth Services space.
What are some of your favorite books and/or genres?
As an avid reader, this is a tough question! I try to read many different genres, but I tend to gravitate towards realistic and historical fiction. I enjoy anything written by Erin Entrada Kelly: Blackbird Fly, and Those Kids from Fawn Creek. For younger readers, Maybe, Maybe, Marisol Rainey is always a win in my book! I also love historical fiction and books by Jennifer Nielsen.
Do you have a hobby or knowledge of a certain topic that you like to incorporate into your work at the library?
As a former educator, I try to search for books and materials viewed from a parent/teacher lens. I have really enjoyed working on Literacy Blogs with my co-worker and enjoy sharing books that can highlight strategies and skills taught in the classroom using picture books.
What do you like to do when you’re not working at the library?
When I am not working at the library, I love spending time with my family, going on hikes, kayaking, practicing yoga, visiting different coffee shops, and of course reading.
If you could be a character in any book in our collection, who would you be?
A character I have always admired and tried to emulate in a book is Jo March from Little Women. This is a book I can read over and over again. I always admire Jo’s confidence, fun spirit, loving and giving nature, and her strength in times of challenge.
Youth Services Specialist Stefanie
Welcome to our series, all about getting to know our very special Youth Services staff members at the Barrington Area Library! Each month, we'll publish an interview with one of our lovely staff members. Up next we have Youth Services Librarian Claire!
What is your favorite part of working at the Barrington Area Library?
My favorite part of the library is the people here! My coworkers are the absolute best and I love getting to work with them. It's also so nice getting to know the familiar faces that come into our department all the time.
What are some of your favorite books and/or genres?
Some of my favorite books growing up were Matilda and the Percy Jackson books and they've remained favorites of mine. I like reading a bunch of different genres of both adult and children's books like fantasy, romance, and historical fiction. Once I find a book or series I really love, I could reread it time and time again!
Do you have a hobby or knowledge of a certain topic that you like to incorporate into your work at the library?
I have almost too many hobbies! I crochet, bake, read, paint, sew, and quilt! I'm not a very artistic person, but I am crafty and I love to bring these things to the library and share my enthusiasm with others. We've done some sewing, painting, and even candle making recently and it's been so much fun introducing these things to everybody that comes!
What do you like to do when you’re not working at the library?
I definitely love to read, but I also enjoy baking, playing with my dog, and even doing genealogy research. I started researching my family history quite a few years ago and I now have more than 250 people in my family tree and can trace some lines back to the 1600s! I hope to travel to the places where my many ancestors are from one day.
If you could be a character in any book in our collection, who would you be?
If I had to be a character in one of our books, I would want to be Annabeth Chase! I told you I love the Percy Jackson series!
Youth Services Specialist Stefanie
Is your little one nervous about going back to school? It is quite common! Starting school, whether it is your first year or you’ve done it before, can be scary. There are a lot of changes and new things to learn. Here are some tips to help alleviate worry and anxiety about going back to school.
Talk and listen
Have an open conversation about what is worrying them about going back to school. Ask what makes this a nerve wracking time so you can help them problem solve or prepare for specific situations. If they are not able to express what is scary – that’s ok! Assure them that being nervous is a normal emotion and reaction.
Prepare
Walking through anxiety provoking situations can be extremely helpful. If they are nervous about something specific, role play what the situation might look like and how they can address it or ask for help. If you are able to, drive to the school and visit so they can become familiar with where they will be each day.
Involve them in decisions
Have them help pick out their going back to school supplies, backpack, lunchbox or whatever else they may need for school. Getting something in their favorite color or including their favorite superhero or TV character can help make this a fun and exciting time!
Start the routine
Help get them into the swing of going back to school by starting the routine early. Change is hard, so the more time kids have to adjust, the better! This could involve setting a bed time, wake up time, eating and getting dressed in the morning, or whatever your family decides to do to!
Friends
Help connect them to their school friends! Reach out to other families who will be attending the same school or will be in the same class so they can meet. It is much easier to do something new when you have a friendly, familiar face by your side.
Calming exercises
Try some calming exercises to help alleviate worry and anxiety. Calming exercises are great to practice when you are feeling calm so that when you are anxious you are already an expert in a technique to help! Some calming exercises include belly breathing, 54321 grounding, or doing a little stretch!
Read books
Check out our Back-to-School picture book section for stories about going to school that children can relate to. Need other book recommendations? Just ask a librarian; we are happy to help!
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Jessica
Image by diana.grytsku on Freepik
Hi, cardholders! Summer is the perfect season to visit the amazing DuPage Children's Museum, where kids can flex their brain muscles, hone their fine motor skills, and -- of course -- have fun!
Located in Naperville, Illinois, the DuPage Children's Museum uses science and art to stimulate children's creativity and problem-solving skills. Here are just a few of the great exhibits families can visit:
- Play, build, and create with real wood and real tools at The Moser Construction House!
- Generate energy with a big waterwheel, create a current with circuits and conductors, and navigate a wind tunnel at AWEsome Energy!
- Work together to build a pyramid at Pyramid Bench!
There are so many cool things kids can do at the DuPage Children's Museum, all of which are designed to develop specific skills in children of all ages.
Barrington Area Library cardholders will receive one FREE museum admission with purchase of one regular admission. Maximum of three free admissions.
Advanced reservations are not required for Explore More Illinois users. Please go to the museum front desk and show your pass to receive your discount. Pass cannot be combined with any other offer. Not valid for parties, group visits, field trips, or Bubble Bash.
For more information, visit this page, accessible through the Barrington Area Library homepage. Please be sure to check offer availability prior to reservation. You can also contact us at exploremore@balibrary.org.
Youth Services Librarian Chris
Welcome to our new series, all about getting to know our very special Youth Services staff members at the Barrington Area Library! Each month, we'll publish an interview with one of our lovely staff members. Up next we have ME, Youth Services Specialist Stefanie!
What is your favorite part of working at the Barrington Area Library?
I started working here in 2016, and it’s been amazing to watch children (who were babies or very young when I started) growing up over the years!
What are some of your favorite books and/or genres?
Anything that Kate DiCamillo writes is an instant favorite. Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson, Normal People by Sally Rooney, Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, and Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner are a handful of my favorite grown-up books. I thoroughly enjoy reading picture books and some of my favorite authors/illustrators are Esme Shapiro, Christian Robinson, Phoebe Wahl, and Corinna Luyken.
Do you have a hobby or knowledge of a certain topic that you like to incorporate into your work at the library?
I love incorporating my hobbies and interests into my work at the library! As some of you know, I recently started teaching myself the ukulele, and have been doing some ukulele-centric story times. I’m a big fan of hiking and spending time outside, so it’s really fun to bring my love of nature to my work as well. Taking care of my mental health is very important to me, which led me to start Little Kids, Big Feelings, and Meditation Story Time.
What do you like to do when you’re not working at the library?
I am obsessed with my animals! When I’m not at the library, you’ll find me walking or hiking with my dog, a chihuahua/rat terrier mix, Marnie, or cuddling with Marnie and my cat, Pico. I have another cat named Koko–she only receives love on her own terms though, so she doesn’t cuddle very much! I also love spending time with my partner, our family and friends, hiking, baking, meditating, knitting, going to concerts, and playing board games.
If you could be a character in any book in our collection, who would you be?
Obviously, I would be Hazel from Little Witch Hazel by Phoebe Wahl!
Is there a fun fact about yourself that you’d like to share?
I recently found out that I’m part Icelandic, which I think is really cool because it’s been a dream of mine to visit there!
Youth Services Specialist Stefanie
Mindfulness is an activity you can practice year-round, but here are some summer inspired activities to encourage mindful moments for your little ones.
- Gardening
Whether it is at home or participating in a gardening program at the BALibrary, gardening is a great way to connect to nature! What colors do you see? How does the dirt feel between your fingers? Notice how the flowers smell. - Cloud watching
Gaze up at the clouds and see what shapes you can see! Better yet, lay in the grass and notice how it feels beneath your body. - Blowing bubbles
Get out your bubbles and wand! Pay attention your breath as you inhale and exhale to make the bubbles. - Draw with sidewalk chalk
Get creative and draw something you love! What colors do you use? What shapes are within your drawings? What texture does the chalk have? - Nature walk
Put on those walking shoes and explore nature! What do you see? What colors do you notice? What does the ground feel like beneath your feet? Do you feel the sun on your face or the wind in your hair? What do you hear or smell? Name anything else you notice!
Interested in programs related to mindfulness? Check out Morning Garden Story Time, Loose Parts Nature Play, Nature Art, Nature I Spy, Meditation Story Time, and Little Kids, Big Feelings.
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Jessica
What’s in a story? Story Elements
Setting:
A story's setting can be best described as the location, time, or time period of the story. It’s the where and when of a story. Some stories have a simpler setting, such as one place or location in which the story is set. As your reader progresses in their reading ability, storylines become more complex. Settings and the time period can occur in different locations throughout the story.
The setting of the story is powerful because it has a direct impact on what the characters experience in the story.
Questions to ask while reading with your child:
- What is the weather like? (Is it sunny, hot, snowing, etc.)
- Is it dark or light when the story takes place?
- What year or season is it?
- What does the environment look like? (forest, house, farm)
Here are some great books that showcase settings.
Activity: Setting Match Up
Read (or listen to) the following passages. Use context clues to identify the setting of each passage. Match the labels to the correct passage.
Extend and Explore:
Write your own setting for the two remaining word cards you didn’t use. Be descriptive and use details about the sights and sounds of your story. Then draw an illustration to fit the story/setting.
Activity: Calling All Artists
Goldfish on Vacation is a true story that occurred during the summers of 1992 to 2005. Read the story aloud to your young reader. Have your young reader think about where the story takes place. After listening to the story, have your reader draw a picture of the setting of the story while maybe even enjoying goldfish crackers.
Explore and Extend:
*After creating the illustration, use craft sticks to make a frame. You can also glue the illustration onto a deli tray.
*Play I-Spy -“I spy with my little eye…” using the last two pages of Goldfish on Vacation. This is an excellent activity for your young reader to practice describing, listening, and searching.
*Discuss the setting of the story and how the story might be different if it had taken place in a rural area or in the autumn. How would the story be different?
Activity: Compare & Contrast
After listening to Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, compare and contrast the town of Chewandswallow with your hometown.
Compare & Contrast
Extend and Explore:
Where would you rather live; in your town or in the town of Chewandswallow? What is your reason for your choice?
I would rather live in _______________because ___________________________________
Understanding the setting of a story is a key aspect to reading comprehension. The setting impacts the characters and the story's mood. It also helps to connect story elements, such as the characters, problems, solutions, and conclusions.
Have fun and explore, with your reader, other pictures books, or novels. Remember to apply some of the fun techniques and questions shown above or create your own!
Have fun and keep reading.
Be sure to check out our story kit in the Early Reader Kits, available in the YS Department.
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Erin
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Karen
2023 Summer Reading Secret Code: DISCOVER IDEAS
Welcome to our series, all about getting to know our very special Youth Services staff members at the Barrington Area Library! Each month, we'll publish an interview with one of our lovely staff members. Up next we have Youth Services Assistant Librarian Jessi!
What is your favorite part of working at the Barrington Area Library?
My favorite part about working here is how friendly, welcoming and supportive everyone is! Walking into the library always puts a smile on my face, whether it is seeing children find a book they love or seeing their creativity through building with Legos or the light bright wall.
What are some of your favorite books and/or genres?
I love to read lots of different genres! My favorite ones are romance, contemporary fiction, thrillers, and literary fiction. I love reading new authors or trying a genre or type of book that is new to me. You never know what you might enjoy!
Do you have a hobby or knowledge of a certain topic that you like to incorporate into your work at the library?
I have a lot of knowledge about mental health care, so I try to incorporate ideas about mindfulness and self-care into my work. I enjoy creating programming or blog posts that talk about how to take care of our mental health and help us focus on being the best versions of ourselves!
What do you like to do when you’re not working at the library?
Is it too cliché to say read!? I read 130 books in 2022! I also enjoy working out and playing with my dog.
Is there a fun fact about yourself that you’d like to share?
A fun fact about me is I shaved my head to raise money for childhood cancer in 2016! I like to volunteer and help others and this was something I could do to make an impact so I figured why not?
Youth Services Specialist Stefanie Molinaro
Did somebody say new books? The new 2024 Illinois Reader's Choice Book Awards are here! Find the newly awarded books in the Youth Services Department. We have multiple copies of the Monarch, Bluestem, and Caudill Award Winners. These are all great options for summer reading!
Find Monarch Books in the catalog.
Find Bluestem Books in the catalog.
Find Caudill books in the catalog.
Happy Reading!
Youth Services Librarian Claire
Mental health is important all year round, but May is the month where we bring awareness to this important topic! Mental health is just like physical health – you need to do things to take care of your mind so that it works at its best. This will help you do all the things you want to do like coming to the library to play and read!
To learn more about mental health, check out our Wellness Wonders: Mental Health Awareness Month Books mobile display. The display includes Board Books, Picture Books, Juvenile Non-Fiction, Juvenile Fiction, and Teen Fiction books. The mobile display will be up all month long located in the YS department near the beginning of the non-fiction shelves.
Want to participate in mental health focused programming? Check out Little Kids, Big Feelings and Meditation Story Time or check out our Early Learning Mindfulness Kits.
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Jessica
If you can't make it to Baby Time this month, or if you just can't get enough and want to recreate it at home-we've got you covered! Here are all of the wonderful rhymes we'll be sharing in our May sessions.
All the Little Babies
All the little babies go bouncin’, bouncin’
All the little babies go bouncin’ now.
All the little babies go bouncin’, bouncin’
All the little babies go bouncin’ now.
All the little babies go swayin’, swayin’
All the little babies go swayin’ now.
All the little babies go swayin’, swayin’
All the little babies go swayin’ now.
All the little babies say hello, hello
All the little babies say hello now.
All the little babies say hello, hello
All the little babies say hello now.
Peas Porridge Hot
Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold,
Peas porridge in the pot, Nine days old.
Baa, Baa Black Sheep
Baa, baa black sheep, have you any wool?
Yes, sir, yes sir, three bags full.
One for my master, one for the dame,
And one for the little boy who lives down the lane.
There Was a Little Mouse
There was a little mouse,
Looking for his house.
Not here,
Not here,
But here, here here.
Dump Truck, Dump Truck
Dump truck, dump truck, bumpin down the road
Spilling gravel as you travel with your heavy load
Bumpity, bumpity, bump
Dump truck, dump truck, dump truck, DUMP!
Bouncing, Bouncing Baby on my Knee
Bouncing, bouncing baby on my knee
Bouncing, bouncing 1 2 3!
Clapping, clapping with baby on my knee
Clapping, clapping 1 2 3!
Hugging, hugging baby on my knee
Hugging, hugging 1 2 3!
My Little Hands
With my little hands I go clap, clap, clap
With my little feet I go tap, tap, tap
With my little arms I wave bye, bye, bye
With my little legs, I kick high, high, high,
With my little eyes, I say “Peek-a-boo!”
With my little lips I say “I love you!”
Youth Services Specialist Stefanie