Teachers can further students' investigation of The Breadwinner and life in Afghanistan under Taliban rule by showing the movie adaptation of the book that was released in 2017. As with most adaptations, there are many differences and similarities between the book and the movie. Students will complete the Venn Diagram to compare and contrast the movie and the book and use these worksheets as a jumping off point for a deeper class discussion. Teachers can use this worksheet online digitally or printed out on a day when students may not have access to their computers. It's completely customizable as well, so teachers can add as little or as much guidance as they would like. Teachers may also choose to use a T Chart template in the Storyboard Creator if they want students to focus on either similarities or differences.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Compare and contrast the movie and the book versions of The Breadwinner.
Student Instructions:
Guide students to analyze key themes such as courage, family, and resilience by asking open-ended questions. Encourage participation by inviting students to share examples from both versions, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy.
Prompt students to reference specific scenes or quotes from the book or film when expressing their views. This strengthens critical thinking and helps students learn how to back up their ideas with concrete details.
Divide the class into small groups and assign each a theme or character to discuss. Small group discussions help quieter students feel comfortable sharing and promote collaborative learning.
Have each group present their insights to the whole class. Facilitate a wrap-up discussion to connect ideas and highlight diverse perspectives, reinforcing learning for everyone.
The Breadwinner book and its film adaptation differ in several ways, including character development, specific plot events, and visual storytelling. The movie condenses some events, adds new scenes for dramatic effect, and uses animation to bring the story to life, while the book provides deeper insight into Parvana's thoughts and experiences.
Teachers can assign students to fill out a Venn diagram, listing unique characters, events, and traits from the book on one side, those from the movie on the other, and similarities in the middle. This helps students visually organize comparisons and spark deeper discussions about adaptation choices.
The best way is to discuss key themes and characters from the book first, then watch the film as a class. Follow up with a compare and contrast activity, such as completing a Venn diagram or T chart, to help students analyze similarities and differences.
Comparing both versions helps students develop critical thinking and media literacy skills by analyzing how stories can change across different formats. It encourages thoughtful discussion about adaptation choices, cultural context, and the impact of storytelling methods.
Yes, there are customizable worksheets, such as Venn diagrams and T charts, that teachers can use digitally or in print to guide students in comparing and contrasting The Breadwinner book and movie. These resources make lesson planning quicker and allow for easy class discussion starters.