In this activity, students will compare and contrast Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with another text they have read. In this example, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is being compared with The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard comparing and contrasting Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with another text.
Boost engagement by leading a whole-class discussion where students share their storyboard findings and explore different perspectives together. Group conversations can deepen understanding and make comparisons more meaningful.
Demonstrate how to compare the main character of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with a character from another story using a think-aloud. This helps students see your thought process and clarifies expectations.
Assist students in brainstorming meaningful elements to compare, such as character traits, challenges, or settings. Encourage them to pick points that reveal important story differences or similarities.
Remind students to back up their comparisons with specific examples or quotes from each text. Evidence strengthens their analysis and helps them practice citing sources.
Invite students to create a poster, skit, or digital comic that highlights their favorite comparison. This creative step reinforces learning and allows for varied expression.
To compare and contrast Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with another book, choose key elements such as characters, setting, theme, and plot. Create a chart or storyboard with columns for each text, describe similarities and differences, and use examples from both stories to support your points.
Some good texts to compare with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for upper elementary students include James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, Matilda, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, or Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (the movie adaptation). Choose texts with strong themes of adventure, family, or personal growth.
Charlie and Huck are both kind, resourceful boys who face challenges and are ultimately rewarded. However, Charlie lives in poverty with a loving family, while Huck has money but lacks a stable home. Their adventures are also different: Charlie's is magical and safe, while Huck's is realistic and dangerous.
A simple compare and contrast template has two columns: one for each book. List elements like characters, setting, or theme in rows. In each column, describe how that element appears in the respective text. Add illustrations for visual support.
Have students draw or use storyboards to show the unique settings of each story. For example, Charlie's world is a magical chocolate factory, while Huck's is a raft on a river. Encourage them to include important characters, items, and details in their illustrations.