Comparing Characters in Ghost by Jason Reynolds

Activity Overview

The two main characters, Castle "Ghost" Cranshaw and his mentor Coach Otis Brody, have a lot of parallels in their lives that are revealed throughout the novel. In this activity, students will create a venn diagram that compares and contrasts two characters. Students may choose the characters of Ghost and Coach, or they may choose two different characters like Lu and Ghost or Patty and Sunny, etc. Students will add images and words to represent the characters, their experiences, personalities and interests.

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Template and Class Instructions

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Due Date:

Objective: Create a Venn Diagram comparing two characters from the book Ghost.

Student Instructions:

Click "Start Assignment".
Identify the characters from Ghost 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 oval.
Add attributes (images that represent a characters interests).
Write a description of each of the examples.
Save and exit when you're done.

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.

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 6-8

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual

Type of Activity: Compare and Contrast with T-Charts

Common Core Standards

[ELA-Literacy/RH/9-10/3] Analyze in detail a series of events described in a text; determine whether earlier events caused later ones or simply preceded them.
[ELA-LITERACY/CCRA/R/1] Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
[ELA-LITERACY/CCRA/R/7] Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
[ELA-LITERACY/CCRA/R/9] Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take.

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Rubric

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

Character Comparison

Using a Venn diagram of two or three ovals, compare and contrast the different characters in the book.

	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.

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How To Teach Venn Diagrams in the Elementary Classroom

Discuss Similarities and Differences

Have a full class discussion to ensure that students understand the concept of similarities and differences. Use simple concepts to teach this, such a fruits, or potato chips, to make the discussion both fun and easy to understand.

Show Students a Venn Diagram

Once students understand the concept of similarities and differences, show them the Venn Diagram and instruct them how to use it. The similarities go in the middle, while the differences go on the outside of the circles.

Fill in the Venn Diagram

Help students fill in the diagram, using bullet points, either about the example, or about two characters or situations in the story you are reading. Often, the number of differences will be greater than the similarities, so they will really have to push to find them.

Frequently Asked Questions about Compare and Contrasting Ghost Characters

What is a Venn Diagram best used for?

A Venn Diagram is the perfect tool to compare and contrast two different things. It is created by two intersecting circles. The similarities between the two elements are listed in the middle, while the differences go on the outside of the circles.

What is the value in comparing characters?

When students compare characters, they look for what the characters have in common. This is helpful because they can better understand the characters' actions and interactions if they know how they are alike.

What is the value in contrasting characters?

Contrasting characters means that students are looking for the differences in characters. This is important because knowing characters are different will help students understand motives and movements in the story.