The main characters in One Crazy Summer are Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern. They share the bond of sisterhood but carry unique perspectives and display very different personalities that are revealed throughout the novel. A Venn diagram is a useful tool to compare and contrast characters. In this activity, students will compare and contrast at least 2 characters from the novel using a Venn diagram.
This example compares and contrasts Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern. Other characters students could compare are Delphine and Nzila, Big Ma and Nzila, Sister Mukumbu and Crazy Kelvin, etc. Students could also compare the difference between the Black Panthers' portrayal in the media vs. the Black Panthers that Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern come to know.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a Venn diagram comparing two or three characters from the book, One Crazy Summer.
Student Instructions:
Requirements:
Facilitate a whole-class conversation where students share observations about how characters in One Crazy Summer are alike or different. This builds deeper understanding and gives everyone a chance to voice their ideas.
Divide your class into groups and ask each team to list character traits for main characters. Working together helps students notice more details and encourages collaboration.
Provide sticky notes for each group to write traits and experiences of characters. Have them place notes in a Venn diagram on a large poster or whiteboard, making it easy to move ideas around as they discuss.
Ask students to find quotes or moments from the book that show each trait or difference. This strengthens textual analysis skills and ensures comparisons are accurate.
Lead a short reflection where students discuss how character differences affect the story and what they learned about empathy and perspective. This step helps students connect literature to real life.
To compare and contrast characters in One Crazy Summer, identify their unique traits and experiences, then use a Venn diagram to organize similarities and differences. Place shared qualities in the overlapping section and individual traits on each side.
An effective Venn diagram might compare Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern. List their personalities and experiences in separate circles, and write shared traits in the center. For instance, all three are sisters, but Delphine is responsible, Vonetta is outgoing, and Fern is sensitive.
Delphine and Vonetta or Delphine and Fern are great pairs for a compare and contrast lesson since they have distinct personalities and perspectives. You can also compare characters like Sister Mukumbu and Crazy Kelvin for more advanced analysis.
Students can use StoryboardThat by selecting character images, adding attributes or scenes that represent each character's traits, and organizing them in a Venn diagram template. Label each section and add brief descriptions for clarity.
First, choose two or three characters to compare. Make a list of their traits and experiences, placing similarities in the center of the Venn diagram and differences on the sides. Add images and descriptive words for each character, then write short explanations for your choices.