Mini lesson Comparing the Same Genre

— 5th grade

Connection

• We have learned how to analyze characters as a means to better understand the structure and themes in the fantasy genre.

• Today we will learn how to complete a Comparison Grid that will help us to identify similarities and differences across different fantasy stories.

Teaching

• We have learned that many fantasies follow an event structure where something is wrong in the fabric of the universe, or the world is out of order.

• The characters may represent stereotypes of good and evil and the main characters are usually on a quest or journey to help restore order to the world.

• Today we are going to learn how to use an organizer, a Comparison Grid, to help us compare and contrast fantasy stories by identifying specific examples of fantasy elements within stories.

• Let’s review this chart together so we know what type of information we are searching for.

Comparison Grid

TitleCinderella Pinocchio

Similarities Differences Conclusions

Setting

Characters

Problem

Events

Solution/Ending

Magic

Illustrations

Other

• Now that we know the elements we are looking for, I am going to model how to complete this grid for Cinderella.

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SOL5wG7t1g

• Now, listen to Pinocchio and complete the chart when finished.

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDxQaWBxp1A

• Using a comparison grid is a good tool to help us focus on the most important elements of a fantasy.

• It helps us to see the overall structure of the story and we can use this information to identify similarities and differences across fantasy texts.

Link

• As you read, think about how the book you are reading is like other books you’ve read in the same genre.