Comparing and contrasting are thinking skills. It just so happens that in Fall 2010, the Michigan Department of Education will assess students in their ability to write a compare-and-contrast paragraph. In my blog, I’ll be providing ideas that I hope will be useful to you. I also hope that you’ll consider adding ideas. If there is something you think we could post, just email it to me and I’ll take care of it. Please visit my blog frequently – and tell your friends about it so they can visit it, too!
Here are THREE things for you to download today.
Unpacked MEAP Standards, Grade 3, ELA, HORIZONTAL FORMAT This is a twenty-two page document in which I’ve put a number of things. I’ve unpacked the standard (ya-hoo); put together a list of core vocabulary words and descriptions for this standard; provided ideas for prompts; and created charts that show where the thinking skills of compare and contrast are already embedded in the Grade Level Content Expectations (GLCEs).
I designed these by content area (e.g, one for reading, writing, math, science, and social studies that show natural compare-and-contrast connections by grade level). I also designed charts by grade levels, K-5. If you want a 2nd grade teacher to quickly see how compare-and-contrast is addressed across the content areas in grade 2, these charts might be just perfect for your use.
I also designed a content card for compare and contrast. Print this out; it’s ready to use!
Compare and Contrast, Apples to Oranges This is not a lesson, but I’ve included a number of ideas for your review, consideration, and use. I’ve included some ideas for the prompt: Compare and Contrast Apples and Oranges.
Compare and Contrast, Apples to Oranges in NOTES FORMAT Download this pdf file and you’ll see the powerpoint slides I created above in the Notes Format – with my notes on each slide.
Please tell me what you think! All thoughts – the good, the bad, and the ugly – are welcome.
