Point of View

Grade 4 Reading | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.4.R.1.3

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What is Point of View?

Point of view is WHO is telling the story. It affects what information readers can know - like whose thoughts we can hear and what we can see. Different points of view give readers different information!

Three Types of Point of View

FIRST PERSON

A character tells their OWN story

We know only what THEY think/feel

I, me, my, we, our

THIRD PERSON LIMITED

Outside narrator follows ONE character

We know only ONE person's thoughts

he, she, they + names

THIRD PERSON OMNISCIENT

All-knowing narrator sees EVERYONE

We know MULTIPLE characters' thoughts

he, she, they + names

How to Find the Point of View: 2 Steps!

1️⃣
Check the Pronouns: Does the narrator use "I/me/my"? That's FIRST PERSON! Uses "he/she/they"? That's THIRD PERSON!
2️⃣
Count the Minds: For third person - whose THOUGHTS can we hear? Only ONE character = LIMITED. MULTIPLE characters = OMNISCIENT!

Example 1: First Person

I walked into the cafeteria and immediately spotted my best friend Kayla at our usual table. I wondered why she looked upset, but I didn't want to ask in front of everyone. I sat down and tried to catch her eye.

How do we know? The narrator uses "I" and "my." We only know the narrator's thoughts (wondering why Kayla looked upset), NOT Kayla's thoughts.

Example 2: Third Person Limited

Maya walked into the cafeteria and immediately spotted her best friend Kayla at their usual table. Maya wondered why Kayla looked upset, but she didn't want to ask in front of everyone. She sat down and tried to catch Kayla's eye.

How do we know? Uses names and "she" (third person). We only know MAYA'S thoughts (wondering about Kayla). We DON'T know what Kayla is thinking!

Example 3: Third Person Omniscient

Maya walked into the cafeteria and immediately spotted her best friend Kayla at their usual table. Maya wondered why Kayla looked upset. Kayla, meanwhile, was nervous about asking Maya if she could come to her birthday party. She wasn't sure if Maya would say yes.

How do we know? Uses names and "she" (third person). We know BOTH Maya's thoughts AND Kayla's thoughts! The narrator can see into EVERYONE'S mind.

Limited vs. Omniscient: What's the Difference?

Third Person LIMITED

Like a camera following ONE person

We only hear ONE character's thoughts

Example: "Marcus felt nervous about the test." (Only Marcus)

Third Person OMNISCIENT

Like cameras on EVERYONE

We hear MULTIPLE characters' thoughts

Example: "Marcus felt nervous. His teacher, meanwhile, was excited to see what students had learned." (Both!)

Key Question: "Can I hear more than one character's thoughts?" Yes = Omniscient. No = Limited.

Your Turn!

1. Read this passage. What point of view is it?

"I couldn't believe my luck when I found the twenty-dollar bill on the sidewalk. My heart raced as I picked it up. Should I try to find the owner?"

How do you know?

2. Read this passage. What point of view is it?

"Lily felt her stomach flip as she waited for her turn. The other contestants seemed so confident. When her name was called, she took a deep breath and walked onto the stage."

Whose thoughts can we hear?

3. Read this passage. What point of view is it?

"Tyler was frustrated that his sister wouldn't share the computer. He stomped off to his room. Meanwhile, Sarah felt guilty for hogging it, but she really needed to finish her homework."

What tells you this is omniscient?

4. Why does point of view MATTER? How does it affect what readers know?

Remember!

To find Point of View:

Point of view affects: What information readers get! We can only know what the narrator knows or can observe.

FAST Success Kit | Grade 4 | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.4.R.1.3