Lesson Plan (Grades 3-5): Podcast Interviews with Characters: Bringing Literature to Life

Lesson Title: Podcast Interviews with Characters

Grade Level: Grades 3–5

Subject Area: Language Arts & Speaking & Listening

Overview In this dynamic, standards-aligned unit, students deepen their understanding of novel characters by scripting and producing a three-minute “radio interview.” Working in pairs, they select a character from their current novel study, research that character’s traits, motivations, and story events, then write both interviewer questions and character responses rooted in textual evidence. Students practice persuasive and empathetic writing, hone speaking and listening skills, and experience authentic audience engagement—either by recording with classroom audio equipment or performing live in a makeshift “studio.”

Over four to six class periods, learners will:

1. Analyze character traits and collect supporting quotes.
2. Craft open-ended questions that probe motivations, challenges, and growth.
3. Script in-role responses that accurately reflect the character’s voice and cite at least two text references.
4. Rehearse using effective vocal delivery—intonation, pacing, clarity.
5. Record or perform their interview, then reflect on the process and peer-feedback.

This lesson fosters close reading, evidence-based writing, oral communication, and collaborative problem-solving. Below, you’ll find detailed guidance on materials, pacing, differentiation strategies, and a consistent summative rubric, ensuring grades 3–5 teachers can seamlessly integrate podcast interview projects into their literacy instruction.

Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives By the end of the unit, students will be able to:

1. Character Analysis: Identify and describe a chosen character’s key traits, motivations, conflicts, and growth using specific textual evidence.
2. Question Crafting: Write at least six open-ended, thoughtful interview questions that prompt deep character reflection (e.g., “Why did you choose to help your friend despite the risk?”).
3. In-Role Response Writing: Script at least six character responses in first person that authentically represent the character’s voice, citing at least two direct quotations from the novel.
4. Oral Delivery: Demonstrate clear enunciation, appropriate pacing, vocal expression (tone, volume), and effective use of a three-minute time limit.
5. Active Listening & Peer Feedback: Listen attentively to peers’ interviews, take notes, and provide constructive feedback focusing on content accuracy and delivery skills.

Standards Alignment

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.3 / RL.4.3 / RL.5.3: Describe characters’ traits, motivations, and explain how their actions contribute to plot development.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.1 / RL.4.1 / RL.5.1: Quote accurately from text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.3 / W.4.3 / W.5.3: Write narratives to develop imagined experiences using dialogue and description to advance the plot or character development.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.4 / SL.4.4 / SL.5.4: Report on a topic with facts and relevant descriptive details, speaking clearly at an understandable pace.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.5 / SL.4.5 / SL.5.5: Include multimedia components when appropriate to enhance presentations.
• SEL Competencies (CASEL):
  • Self-Awareness: Recognize personal strengths and areas for growth in speaking and character analysis.
  • Social Awareness: Demonstrate empathy by exploring character perspectives and responding thoughtfully.
  • Responsible Decision-Making: Use evidence-based reasoning to write questions and responses that respect the character’s perspective and novel context.