Identifying Compare and Contrast Key Words

This Second grade unit provides lesson plans for comparing and contrasting.  The first two lessons build background knowledge for comparing and contrasting similarites and differences. These lessons build toward the skill of comparing and contrasting two versions of the same story.  You will need to create a free account to view and print the teacher and student resources. Lesson one in this unit focuses on identifying  similarities and differences using key words.  Lesson two helps develop the skill of using key words to compare and contrast two objects.  These lessons build toward the culminating lesson of comparing and contrasting two versions of Cinderella.  Students will use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast.  They will then write sentences to compare and contrast the stories of Cinderella and Cinder Edna using the information from the Venn diagram.  The Common Core Standards 2.R.L.3  and 2.RL.7 are also associated with the third lesson.

Standards & Objectives

Academic standards
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.2.1
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.2.2
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.2.3
Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.2.4
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 2 reading and content, choosing flexibly from an...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.2.5
Demonstrate understanding of word relationships and nuances in word meanings.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.2.3
Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.2.4
Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.1
Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.10
By the end of year, read and comprehend informational texts, including history/social studies, science, and technical texts, in the grades 2-3 text...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.2
Identify the main topic of a multiparagraph text as well as the focus of specific paragraphs within the text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.3
Describe the connection between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.4
Determine the meaning of words and phrases in a text relevant to a grade 2 topic or subject area.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.5
Know and use various text features (e.g., captions, bold print, subheadings, glossaries, indexes, electronic menus, icons) to locate key facts or...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.8
Describe how reasons support specific points the author makes in a text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.9
Compare and contrast the most important points presented by two texts on the same topic.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.2.1
Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.2.10
By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories and poetry, in the grades 2-3 text complexity band proficiently, with...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.2.2
Recount stories, including fables and folktales from diverse cultures, and determine their central message, lesson, or moral.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.2.3
Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.2.5
Describe the overall structure of a story, including describing how the beginning introduces the story and the ending concludes the action.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.2.7
Use information gained from the illustrations and words in a print or digital text to demonstrate understanding of its characters, setting, or plot.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.2.9
Compare and contrast two or more versions of the same story (e.g., Cinderella stories) by different authors or from different cultures.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.1
Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 2 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.2
Recount or describe key ideas or details from a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.3
Ask and answer questions about what a speaker says in order to clarify comprehension, gather additional information, or deepen understanding of a...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.4
Tell a story or recount an experience with appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details, speaking audibly in coherent sentences.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.5
Create audio recordings of stories or poems; add drawings or other visual displays to stories or recounts of experiences when appropriate to clarify...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.6
Produce complete sentences when appropriate to task and situation in order to provide requested detail or clarification. (See grade 2 Language...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.2
Write informative/explanatory texts in which they introduce a topic, use facts and definitions to develop points, and provide a concluding statement...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.5
With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.7
Participate in shared research and writing projects (e.g., read a number of books on a single topic to produce a report; record science observations).
GLE 0201.1.1
Demonstrate control of basic English usage, mechanics, spelling, and sentence structure.
GLE 0201.1.2
Employ a variety of strategies to decode words and expand vocabulary.
GLE 0201.2.1
Develop critical listening skills essential for comprehension, problem solving, and task completion.
GLE 0201.2.2
Develop critical speaking skills essential for effective communication.
GLE 0201.3.4
Revise first drafts for clearer meaning, correct capitalization, and punctuation.
GLE 0201.6.2
Comprehend the main ideas and supporting details of informational texts.
GLE 0201.8.1
Explore and experience various literary genres.
GLE 0201.8.2
Employ a variety of basic reading comprehension strategies.
GLE 0201.8.3
Develop reading fluency and accuracy.
TSS.ELA.2.FL.F.5
Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
TSS.ELA.2.FL.PWR.3
Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills when decoding isolated words and in connected text.
TSS.ELA.2.FL.SC.6
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when speaking and conventions of standard English grammar and usage, including...
TSS.ELA.2.FL.VA.7a
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 2 reading and content, choosing flexibly from an array of...
TSS.ELA.2.FL.VA.7b
Demonstrate understanding of word relationships and nuances in word meanings.
TSS.ELA.2.FL.VA.7c
Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe.
TSS.ELA.2.FL.WC.4
Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills when encoding words; write legibly.
TSS.ELA.2.RI.IKI.8
Describe how reasons support specific points an author makes in a text.
TSS.ELA.2.RI.KID.1
Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.
TSS.ELA.2.RI.KID.2
Identify the main topic of a multiparagraph text as well as the focus of specific paragraphs within a text.
TSS.ELA.2.RI.RRTC.10
Read and comprehend stories and informational texts throughout the grades 2-3 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding at the high end as needed.
TSS.ELA.2.RL.KID.1
Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.
TSS.ELA.2.RL.KID.2
Recount stories, including fables and folktales from diverse cultures, and determine their central message, lesson, or moral.
TSS.ELA.2.RL.RRTC.10
Read and comprehend stories and poems throughout the grades 2-3 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding at the high end as needed.
TSS.ELA.2.SL.CC.1
Participate with varied peers and adults in collaborative conversations in small or large groups about appropriate 2nd grade topics and texts.
TSS.ELA.2.SL.CC.2
Recount or describe key ideas or details from a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.
TSS.ELA.2.SL.CC.3
Ask and answer questions about what a speaker says in order to gather information or clarify something that is not understood.
TSS.ELA.2.SL.PKI.4
Tell a story or recount an experience with appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details, speaking audibly in coherent sentences.
TSS.ELA.2.SL.PKI.6
Speak in complete sentences when appropriate to task and situation in order to provide requested detail or clarification.
TSS.ELA.2.W.PDW.5
With guidance and support from adults, focus on a topic, respond to questions and suggestions from peers, and strengthen writing as needed by revising and...
TSS.ELA.2.W.RBPK.7
Participate in shared research and writing projects, such exploring a number of books on a single topic or engaging in science experiments to produce a report.
 
Alignment of this item to academic standards is based on recommendations from content creators, resource curators, and visitors to this website. It is the responsibility of each educator to verify that the materials are appropriate for your content area, aligned to current academic standards, and will be beneficial to your specific students.
 
Learning objectives: 

Learning Goal:

Lesson 1:

Identify similarities and differences using key words.

Lesson 2:

Use key words to compare and contrast two objects.

Lesson 3:

Use key words to compare and contrast two fairy tales.

Unit Variations

Extension suggestions: 
  • Have students compare and contrast different cultural variations of fairy tales, such as Cinderella and Yeh-Shen by Ai-Ling Louie.
  • Have students compare and contrast the point of view or perspective in two versions of the same story, such as The Three Little Pigs and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith.
  • Have students write a paragraph using “compare” and “contrast” key words on any of the following two subjects: Two favorite TV shows; Summer and winter; Fall and spring; Two teachers; Two favorite books; A book and the movie version of the book; Two siblings; Two family members; Fiction and nonfiction
  • Have students write new versions of a fairy tale they have read. Then, have them use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast the two versions of the fairy tale. You can also have students write two versions of an original fairy tale and then use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast the two versions.
  • Students can identify “compare” and “contrast” key words in independent reading. Have them keep a list of these words in their writing journal or folder. 
  • Students may compare and contrast two items from the topic they are studying in Social Studies and/or Science.

Helpful Hints

Necessary Materials:

Lesson 1:

  • Provided: “My Brother and I” Passage, Example T-Chart, “Moving to a New Town” Independent Practice Passage, Independent Practice Worksheet
  • Not Provided: markers, chart paper

Lesson 2:

  • Provided: Example Chart, “Moving to a New Town” Independent Practice Passage
  • Not Provided: Stellaluna by Janell Cannon, markers, chart paper, lined paper

Lesson 2:

  • Provided: Example Venn Diagram
  • Not Provided: Cinder Edna by Ellen Jackson, markers, chart paper, lined paper

References

Contributors: