Comparing Characters in Because of Winn-Dixie

Activity Overview

To demonstrate understanding of comparing and contrasting characters, students should choose two characters and identify their similarities and differences.

For example: Opal and Amanda

Have experienced a loss in their life: Opal’s mother left her, and Amanda’s brother drowned.
Enjoy spending time with Miss Franny, reading books and listening to stories.
A difference between the two girls is in their personalities; Opal is very social and makes friends easily, while Amanda is very shy and is often alone.

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Template and Class Instructions

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Student Instructions

Create a storyboard that compares and contrasts characters in Because of Winn Dixie.

Use the T Chart template provided by your teacher.
Pick two characters to compare.
Identify their similarities and differences.
Illustrate each example with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 3-4

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual

Type of Activity: Compare and Contrast with T-Charts

Common Core Standards

[ELA-Literacy/RL/4/1] Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
[ELA-Literacy/RL/4/9] Compare and contrast the treatment of similar themes and topics (e.g., opposition of good and evil) and patterns of events (e.g., the quest) in stories, myths, and traditional literature from different cultures.

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Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

Grid Comparison Rubric

Create a storyboard that compares two or more elements of the story as directed by your teacher.

	Proficient 25 Points	Emerging 19 Points	Beginning 13 Points
Comparison Analysis	Text and images include a clear explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics. These comparisons go beyond superficial elements and show strong understanding of the story elements.	Text and images include an explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics, but the explanation may lack clarity or show only superficial understanding in some squares.	Text and images may include no explanation of similarities and/or differences, or they may make only superficial or inaccurate comparisons.
Textual Explanation	The text clearly and accurately describes all the scenes and concepts depicted.	The text clearly and accurately describes most of the scenes and concepts depicted.	The text fails to describe most of the scenes clearly and accurately.
Storyboard Image and Effort	Student clearly shows effort to convey the setting, characters and specific scene of the book. The scene is clearly identifiable based on the graphic depiction.	Student attempts to convey the setting, characters, and specific scene through use of graphics, but the depiction may be confusing, disordered, or lack some detail.	Student does not clearly convey the setting, characters, and scene.
Spelling and Grammar	Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors.	Student makes one or two minor errors in spelling and grammar.	Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar.