If you ask students to compare summer and winter, many will find it pretty easy. For instance, summer is warm and winter is cold. Also, the Fourth of July falls in summer, while Christmas falls in winter. However, some may have trouble finding several ways they are alike beyond being seasons. This is the same difficulty that can happen if students are asked to compare and contrast crocodiles and alligators. When two items or objects are not strikingly similar or different, making a deep comparison can be challenging. Therefore, it is important to practice this skill in a variety of ways, such as through compare-and-contrast worksheets. Truly, it is a skill that people use almost daily without even realizing it. Thus, it is so important to learn and practice!
If you ask math teachers about vocabulary, they will often say it is the aspect students struggle with most. Unfortunately, it leads to confusion while solving problems because they do not understand the vocabulary in the question. Likewise, this is a similar issue in language arts. For instance, it is tough to remember all the names of the figures of speech. Also, it can be tough to remember what text skills mean, such as using inferences to figure out something in a story. Therefore, one of the most effective ways to teach compare and contrast is actually using the words compare and contrast. Ultimately, this means NOT just saying similarities and differences. Students actually need time to learn and use the correct terminology, which means the teacher needs to model that. Then, as they get older and work more independently, they will understand what to do when directions state to compare and contrast.
Compare-and-contrast worksheets provide an incredible visual aid for students! For instance, the Compare and Contrast Graphic Organizers help ensure students have a solid understanding. Specifically, students can have a graphic organizer and then have two objects or items. For instance, they may have a giraffe and an elephant. As an added twist, you can even put a variety of pictures in a bin. Students can draw out two items!
Then, they can compare and contrast the animals or whatever appears on the cards. To help, remind students to look at the pictures to see the appearance, but also to think deeper. For example, what do the animals eat? What noise do they make? Where do they live? Students will love this visual lesson!
As students become more confident, they are ready to dive deeper. To do this, reading passages are great! As they continue throughout school and life, they will read more. Thus, it will be so helpful for them to practice this essential skill through passages. The graphic organizer resource above also includes reading passages! Students can read nonfiction about two animals and then use the compare-and-contrast worksheets. Then, students can even turn their notes into sentences that identify what they found while using compare-and-contrast worksheets. This is an incredible way to add reading and writing to the focus standard.
After students work with visual aids, passages, and writing, they are ready to push their thinking even further! Now, they can research two objects, animals, or items, and then compare and contrast them. With the research element, it is okay if they are not sure about a certain item! Therefore, students will see how valuable research is. If students are working above grade level, they may even skip the visual start or the reading passages. Instead, they can spend more time researching, reading, and learning about different items. Thankfully, the same resource in the previous two suggestions even includes research guides!
Students spend a lot of time in their seats. Hence, it is nice to get them up and moving. Since they love to talk, it is great to build in social aspects. Here, students can partner up. Then, they can walk around the classroom, building, or playground. Students will then select two items or objects. Each student will then compare and contrast the two items using compare-and-contrast worksheets. Students will have a blast practicing compare-and-contrast while walking around! You can also use compare-and-contrast anchor charts on a bulletin board. This set of reading skills anchor charts includes several visuals for comparing and contrasting.
When students are ready to work in small groups or with a partner, task cards are a great way to keep everyone focused and engaged. To practice identifying whether items are being compared or contrasted, students can read a situation. For instance, a task card may read: Monday is at the start of the week, while Friday is at the end of the week. Then the students will discuss whether the days of the week are being compared or contrasted. Even better, push students to discuss why they think that! That aspect can be so powerful!
Comparing and contrasting can be such a fun skill to practice! Whether using compare-and-contrast worksheets, task cards, or pictures, students will be highly focused and engaged in the lessons. Students will be thankful for all the practice, since this skill will be used throughout life!
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I am Kirsten Tulsian, an elementary educator with 18 years of experience as a teacher and counselor. My passion lies in empowering students to discover their inherent brilliance through the use of engaging, rigorous, and meaningful activities. I look forward to connecting with you!
