For many students, it’s surprisingly hard to find the right word to describe someone—even someone they know well.
It’s not that they don’t have an opinion. It’s that they often can’t quite name the trait behind it.
And that’s exactly why I created a simple, visual activity to help — you can grab it free below.
We ask them to write down three character traits that describe themselves.
And suddenly, the task becomes even harder.
It gets real.
Then comes the next step:
For each trait, they need to give an example.
– Why do you think this describes you?
– When did you feel that way?
– Can you describe a moment when you acted that way?
And then, we take it one step further.
We ask them to name one negative character trait—and again, to explain.
– Why do you believe this is true for you?
– When have you felt or acted this way?
– What happened in that moment?
FREE Download – Character Traits Drawing & Writing Activity
Help your students explore their own traits through drawing and writing. This activity works for any grade level and can be used as a one-time reflection or part of an ongoing character study.
Each of these reflections is supported by our Positive & Negative Character Traits Poster.
It gives students the language to think, speak, and write about who they are—and who they want to become.
With older or more reflective students, we sometimes take it even deeper:
Can a trait be both positive and negative, depending on the situation?
Take stubbornness.
It might help you stand firm for something important.
But it might also hurt someone you care about if it turns into unwillingness to listen.
And that’s when character traits become more than just words.
They become tools for self-awareness and empathy.
If you’d like your students to reflect on their own traits in a fun, creative way, don’t forget to download the free Drawing & Writing Activity above.
