Activity Overview
Many of the characters in The Poet X share similar traits and parallels while also maintaining important differences. In this activity, students will create a Venn diagram that compares and contrasts two characters from the story. Students may choose the characters they wish to compare or teachers can assign them.
Examples of characters to compare include: Xiomara and Twin, Xiomara and Caridad, Xiomara and Mami, Xiomara and Aman, Mami and Papi, Father Sean and Xiomara, Ms. Galiano and Xiomara, etc. Students will add images and words to represent the characters, their experiences, personalities, and interests.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a Venn Diagram comparing the characters from the book.
Student Instructions:
- Identify the characters you wish to compare and contrast and find StoryboardThat characters that look like them.
- Write a list of their characteristics and experiences for each character.If there are similarities, put them in the center overlapping ovals.
- Add attributes (images that represent a characters interests).
- Write a description of each of the examples.
Requirements:
- Characters: Images of people to represent your characters.
- Attributes: images of items, scenes to represent their characteristics or experiences.
- Names of the characters and words to describe each person.
- Make sure their similarities are in the center oval and their differences are on either side.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compare and Contrast | Text includes a clear explanation of similarities and differences between the characters. These comparisons go beyond superficial elements and show strong understanding. | Text includes an explanation of similarities and differences between the characters, but the explanation may lack clarity or show only superficial understanding. | Text may include no explanation of similarities and differences between the characters, or they may make only superficial or inaccurate comparisons. |
| Storyboard Design | Student clearly shows effort, time and care to include appropriate StoryboardThat characters for each book character and uses items, animals or scenes in their design to describe their characters attributes. | Depictions of characters and their attributes are mostly accurate to the story but may have some discrepancies. The depictions show minimal effort, time, and care. | Many depictions of characters and their attributes are inaccurate or they are missing. There was very little time or effort put into the depictions. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes a minor error in spelling and grammar. | Student makes several minor errors in spelling and grammar. |
How To Differentiate Venn Diagram Lessons
Discuss Similarities and Differences in the Characters.
Lead a full discussion with students about the similarities and differences in characters. This will start every student off well as they learn what they are trying to analyze.
Explain Character Attributes
Students should understand the importance of character attributes. Who are these characters? What do they say and do? What motivates them? How do they relate to other characters? By understanding a character's individual attributes, students will more easily compare and contrast them.
Scaffold for Students Who Need It
Some students will still need extra held understanding this process. Rather than having students blindly get examples from the story, you could give them a detail and ask them to say if it is a similarity or difference. This would help students build their confidence as readers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Comparing Characters in The Poet X
How does a Venn Diagram help students learn?
A Venn Diagram clarifies student thinking by placing character similarities in the middle, and elements that are different on the outsides. By categorizing in this manner, students are able to see more clearly whether characters are more alike than different.
Do visual aids for learning really assist students?
Yes! Sometimes students get lost in all of the words when it comes to literature and understanding characters. By using a clear visual such as a Venn Diagram, they can use spatial information to help them understand the concepts.
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