When comparing Bruno and Shmuel, students should see that Bruno is a very curious boy, yet he is utterly ignorant about the situation around him. Shmuel, though he may not realize that hundreds of detainees are being executed, is aware that he is seen as a third-class citizen - or even a “non-person” - and is very careful not to incite the anger of guards around the camp.
Have students attach their storyboard to a paper requiring in-depth explanation of an element throughout the novel, or couple this assignment with a presentation.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard identifying the similarities and differences between two characters in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.
Introduce graphic organizers such as Venn diagrams or T-charts to help students visually compare and contrast Bruno and Shmuel’s traits, motivations, and actions. Visual tools encourage critical thinking and make abstract comparisons more concrete for students.
Demonstrate how to read passages and think aloud about each character’s perspective, using key passages from the novel. Modeling helps students understand how to look for evidence in the text and make thoughtful inferences about characters.
Organize small group or partner discussions where students share their findings about Bruno and Shmuel. Collaborative talk allows students to discover new viewpoints and refine their analysis.
Have students write a diary entry or letter from the perspective of either Bruno or Shmuel. Creative writing encourages empathy and a deeper connection with each character’s experiences and feelings.
Invite students to create posters, digital slides, or storyboards showcasing their character comparisons. Visual presentations help students synthesize information and build confidence in sharing their insights with the class.
To help students compare Bruno and Shmuel, guide them to track character traits, actions, and perspectives as they read. Encourage using worksheets or storyboards to document similarities and differences, then discuss findings in pairs or groups.
Bruno is curious but unaware of the camp's reality, while Shmuel understands his situation as a prisoner and is more cautious. Their backgrounds, awareness, and experiences highlight the stark contrast between their lives.
Start by introducing key characters, have students fill out comparison worksheets as they read, and wrap up by having them share and discuss their findings. Optionally, assign a writing or presentation to deepen understanding.
Comparing and contrasting characters helps students develop inference skills, understand perspective, and analyze textual evidence. It encourages higher-order thinking and supports comprehension of complex narratives.
Use worksheets with columns for similarities and differences, character trait trackers, or graphic organizers like Venn diagrams. Allow students to illustrate scenes or add notes to enhance engagement.