Comparing Fairy Tales

A few weeks back, we read various fairy tales to discuss recurring phrases and their meanings. We also worked on identifying story elements. Two books that we read were Cinderella and Prince Cinders. After reading and creating Story Maps for both stories, the students created Double Bubble Maps to record how the stories are the similar and how they are different. They then recorded one thing that was similar on a foldable. On the same fodlable, they wrote two things that were different, yet related to the thing that was similar. For example, both main characters got married. But, Cinderella married a prince and Prince Cinders married a princess. Or, they both lost something. But, Cinderella lost a glass slipper and Prince Cinders lost his trousers.

Santa Study

Our Instructional Media Specialist, Ms. Hollingsworth, created an amazing lesson for the first graders about the role of Santa Claus around the world. The students got to "hear" Santa speak to them from Germany, France, Mexico, and The United States. They heard what his name was, what he wears, when he visits, how he travels, and where he leaves gifts. The students are currently using this research to write about the role of Santa Claus from one country of their choice.

Comparing Numbers to 50

In math we have been learning to compare and order numbers to 50. One way that we have been practicing is to use our Promethean Board to build numbers with Base Ten Blocks. The students take turns building the numbers and counting them. They then use text boxes to put the numbers in order from greatest to least and least to greatest.

Comparing Stories

As a part of our story of fairy tales and recurring phrases we read Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood. After reading, the students compared and contrasted the two stories and we charted their comparisons on a Double Bubble Map.

Baseball Place Value

While at the Texas Ranger's game the other night, I came up with a baseball themed game to review comparing larger numbers: Baseball Place Value. To play the game, divide your class into two teams. One team will be the guests and the other will be the home team. A player from each team will draw a number card and each will build their specific number with the bats (tens) and baseballs (ones). The player with the largest number will move their player to the first base. The player with the least number will pick up a strike card. Play continues to the next players on the team. Once a team gets their player around all the bases, they mark their score on the scoreboard with tally marks. When one team receives three strikes during an inning, that inning is over and all players start back at homeplate. The team with the most runs at the end of the ninth inning wins! After modeling a few times, students should be able to play this game in small groups during math centers. To download the game, visit my Teachers Pay Teachers Store.

David Shannon: Comparing Stories

After reading Toy Many Toys and A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon, we discussed how the books were the same and different. We charted the student responses on a Double Bubble Map. The students then completed a Venn Diagram independently to compare the stories.

Using the Venn Diagram for help, the students created a four-tier foldable to identify one way that the two stories were the same and then something that was different yet related.

Cinderella and Prince Cinders

As a part of our study of fairy tales, we read Prince Cinders by Babette Cole. Prince Cinders is a funny and modern twist to the classic Cinderella story. After reading, the students discussed with a partner events that were similar and different from the two stories. We then created a class Double Bubble map to chart their findings. The students then took notes on their own Double Bubble map. They then created a foldable to describe two events in the story that are similar, but not exact, along with the main idea that makes them similar. For example, in Cinderella, she goes to a ball. In Prince Cinders, he goes to a disco. In both, they go to a party.

Cinderella: Reality or Fantasy

The last few weeks we have been reading various fairy tales. One of our lessons focused on identifying events in Cinderella that could be real and events that could only be fantasy. After reading the book and discussing, the students wrote one event that could be real and one that was fantasy.

Santa Study

Our multi-talented Instructional Media Specialist, Mrs. Thornton, taught all of the first graders a lesson on the role of Santa Claus around the world. This was a part of our Holidays Around the World unit. Mrs. Thornton used a variety of online and print media to help the students compare and contrast Santa's role in the following countries: The United States, Germany, Mexico, France, and Russia. They learned what he is called in each country (Father Christmas, Pere Noel, etc.), what he wears, how he travels, what he brings children, and where those gifts are left. She engaged the students with familiar songs, videos depicting customs and traditions around the world, and facts found through library research. We are lucky to have such a talented person at our school who is willing to share her expertise!

Comparing and Contrasting Stories

Last week our weekly theme was sports. As a part of our lessons, we read Maria Joins the Team and Carlos Joins the Team from Reading A-Z. The main purpose of the lesson was to have the students retell the story and answer multiple choice questions about the text in order to teach them the strategy of "looking back" and to assess their comprehension. The reason I chose these books is because they are the same story but with slight changes. After reading the first story, the students retold the story to friends and then answered questions about the text. Then we read the second story. As we read, the students began to have that "light bulb" moment when they make connections or notice something unique. They quickly realized the stories were the same. To help them express their thoughts, we created a class Double Bubble Map to compare and contrast the stories. Fellow teachers, Reading A-Z has many different leveled readers that can be used for this purpose.

Comparing Fairy Tales

Today we compared Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella to discuss how fairy tales typically begin with the phrase "once upon a time" or "long, long ago." We used the online media stories for both which the students found very engaging. After hearing both of the stories, the students identified the characters - including the heros and the villains. They discussed that fairy tales usually have heros and villains and have to overcome a problem. To help them visualize their comparisons, we created a Double Bubble Map.