Kwame's character journal

A diary in Kwame's voice

Choose one moment: his unusual calabash (Chapter 3), Fifi's chocolate gift (Chapter 13), or being ready to help (Chapter 20). Write as Kwame using I. Your diary is an original response, not a missing page from the book.

1. What has just happened? Include two accurate details.
2. What do I feel, and what makes me feel that way?
3. What do I want to happen next? Separate a hope from something the story confirms.

Plan: event / feeling / clue / hope

Dear diary ...

Teacher notes Character journal

Purpose and preparation

25 minutes after the relevant chapter. Model first-person writing without copying the author's sentences.

Suggested responses

1. Chapter 3: the elders cannot identify the calabash; uncertainty is supported.
2. Chapter 13: Fifi bought chocolate to cheer Kwame up; they share it.
3. Chapter 20: Kwame is ready, but Fifi has not yet been saved. Do not import the next book's resolution.

Support and stretch

Read aloud; invite pointing, drawings or dictation. Extend by asking for a page or picture clue.

Teaching links

Suggested England English: discussing reading and explaining ideas. US literacy links apply only to the stated school age group, not automatically to babies. Adapt to the learner; these materials are not an accredited curriculum.