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Grade: Elementary
Subject: Literature
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Jennifer Conrad
Cindy ScrogginsCharacter Comparison
Lesson Plan
I. Objectives
1. Using a Venn Diagram, students will compare and contrast two characters from a read-aloud story.
2. Using a Venn Diagram, students will compare and contrast personal characteristics with those of a classmate.
II. Materials
· The book Miss Nelson is Missing by Harry Allard and James Marshall
· A large laminated Venn Diagram picturing Miss Nelson and Miss Swamp on opposite sides
· Venn Diagram worksheets for each student
· Random assignment cards, used to creatively group students with partners.
· Dry-erase marker (teacher)
· Pencil (students)
III. Introduction/ Motivation
Students will be shown the cover of the book Miss Nelson is Missing. They will be asked if they have seen this book before, and to keep the ending a secret if they have. Students will be informed about the lesson. It will be explained that the lesson is focusing on finding similarities and differences between characters in the story. Students will be instructed to pay careful attention to the two teachers in the story during the reading. Students will also be encouraged to make predictions about the text.
IV. Procedure
1. Students will gather on carpet for the introduction and reading of Miss Nelson is Missing. Questions will be asked periodically during the reading regarding the characters' personalities, appearances and behaviors. Following the reading, students will be encouraged to respond verbally to the book. (Cindy)
2. Before the students are asked to brainstorm the similarities and differences between Miss Nelson and Miss Swamp, a minilesson discussing the concept of a Venn Diagram will be taught. It will be explained that the circle with Miss Nelson on it will hold characteristics that are unique to Miss Nelson, and that the items written in the circle with Miss Swamp on it will be unique to the characteristics of Miss Swamp. It will be explained that the items that are written in the little circle, in between the two large ones, will have characteristics that are the same for both Miss Nelson and Miss Swamp. (Jennifer)
3. After students brainstorm the similarities and differences between the two characters, the teacher will call on volunteers to share their ideas with the class. As the students provide responses, the teacher will be writing their responses in the appropriate spaces on the Venn Diagram. (Cindy and Jennifer)
4. To prepare students for the final activity, in which two students are asked to compare and contrast themselves, the teachers will provide a minilesson by modeling the activity. The Venn diagram will be erased, and students will be asked to compare and contrast the two team teachers in the same way they did with the characters from the book. To provide examples of meaningful comparisons, we will offer personal characteristics such as, " I like chicken," and "I do not like chicken." or " I am student," and "I am also a student." This will help students find similarities and differences in their personalities and behaviors, in addition to their appearances. (Cindy and Jennifer)
5. The final activity involves putting students into groups of two by random selection. Students will be shown the worksheet and instructed to work with a partner to find similarities and differences. After students have picked their card and found their partner, they will go back to the desk area and work on the Venn Diagram worksheet (attached). Each student will have a worksheet of their own and will fill in at least five characteristics for each circle on the diagram. Students will be encouraged to find and write as many characteristics as they can think of on the diagram. Students will be given the opportunity to share their diagrams with the class.
V. Assessment
Assessments for this lesson include:
· Students' responses to the book that was read aloud in class.
· Students' expression of ideas comparing and contrasting two characters from the book.
· Students' expression of ideas comparing and contrasting two team teachers in the classroom.
· The observation of students as they work in groups.
· Students' written and oral responses to the Venn Diagram worksheet.
VI.Extending Activity
To meet the needs of diverse students, an additional activity will be available for students who have finished the Venn Diagram worksheet. This activity is a worksheet that involves drawing and writing about Miss Nelson and Miss Swamp (see attachment). Students will not be required to complete this activity for completion of the lesson.
VII. Notes
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