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, Cesar Chavez pleads for migrant rights. After reading the story, use the Thinking Questions to have students discuss in pairs or teams. For example, “What kind of person was Cesar as a boy? Is he different as a man? Explain.” Use the Writing Ideas to have students write and share their writing with teammates or classmates. For example, “Cesar is a man of strong beliefs. How strong are your beliefs? Pick a cause you would be willing to devote yourself to. Write about this cause. Why do you feel strongly about it? What would you sacrifice or do to show your support for the cause.” Develop students’ character as well as thinking, reading, writing, and discussion skills as students read and reflect on this portrait of character.