Filling in the Holes,
20 Years Later

Subjects

• Language Arts
• Literature

Grades

• 3-5
• 6-8
  

Brief Description

Choose a character from the novel Holes and draw conclusions based on the attributes of that character.

Objectives

Students

• analyze traits of some of the main characters in Holes by Louis Sachar.
• based on identifiable character traits, predict the future occupations of the characters.
• illustrate one of the characters at their workplace 20 years in the future.

Keywords

character, characterization, character traits, draw conclusions, character analysis, critical thinking

Materials Needed

• Holes by Louis Sacher
• a T-chart (or another tool) for organizing information about traits exhibited by the main characters

The Lesson

This is a fun activity to complete after reading Holes by Louis Sachar. As students read the book, or as you read it aloud, have students pay special attention to the individual characters in the book. As they read or listen, they might fill in a simple chart; the chart will list some of the main characters along the top (each at the top of its own column) and students will write beneath each character's name the trait(s) they observe as they read/listen.

When the book is completed, students will analyze the lists of traits they have developed for each character. Specifically, they will analyze the traits of one character and draw a conclusion about the type of work that character will be doing 20 years from now. In their explanations, students will explain why the career they chose is a good fit for the character; why the character's traits "translate" into success in that career choice.

Have students draw an illustration of their character in the workplace 20 years into the future.

Set aside time for students to present their illustrations and explanations to their classmates.

Assessment

Design a rubric for measuring student success in analyzing the character/selecting a logical career path for that character and for the oral presentation. These sample rubrics might model some of the elements of the rubric you will create for your students:

• Character Analysis Rubric
• Character Trait Graphic Organizer Rubric (see page 4)
• Presentation Rubric
• Oral Presentation Rubric

Submitted By

Glenda Smith, Glenpool (Oklahoma) Middle School

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