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, Jim Betts saves an earthquake victim. After reading the story, use the Thinking Questions to have students discuss in pairs or teams. For example, “What damage did the San Francisco earthquake cause? Why did that damage make it hard to get help to the Berumens?” Use the Writing Ideas to have students write and share their writing with teammates or classmates. For example, “Write about one of the toughest decisions you ever had to make. In your writing, tell what your decision was and why it was so tough. Also tell what happened because you made the decision.” Develop students’ character as well as thinking, reading, writing, and discussion skills as students read and reflect on this portrait of character.