Kagan

Portraits of Character are easy-to-read stories that are just a few pages long. They feature everyday heroes as well as celebrities. Each story highlights an extraordinary display of character. In this story, Brian Andrew rescues a drowning diver. After reading the story, use the Thinking Questions to have students discuss in pairs or teams. For example, “What clues told Brian that the skin diver was in trouble?” Use the Writing Ideas to have students write and share their writing with teammates or classmates. For example, “Of all Brian’s heroic traits, what one trait do you consider to be the most important? Write a paragraph that explains why this trait is the most important.” Develop students’ character as well as thinking, reading, writing, and discussion skills as students read and reflect on this portrait of character.