This is the format I used for doing a graphic organizer instead of the chart on pg. 19, 2.4. I feel that this was a better way for my students to compare and contrast. I can provide a hard copy of this if anyone would like.
I just finished a unit I teach on the Holocaust. This year, my focus was on teaching tolerance and diversity by reading diaries and journals of teens who wrote about their experiences. I introduced the students to Anne Frank, but reminded them that her story involved a teen and her family who were in hiding. So that my students could have further information on Anne, we visited the Anne Frank Exhibit in SLC where a replica of the Annex was on display, and an image of the size of her bedroom was drawn out. This gave my students a chance to compare their rooms and lives with visuals.
The other journals and stories my students read were from teens who lived in ghettos or concentration camps, or may have been hidden by Gentile families, or were even on the Kindertransport. The diaries and journals talked about all the issues that affect teens regardless of the place or time they live in - chores, homework, religion, family issues, etc. My students commented in our discussions things such as "I don't have it so hard" or "This boy hated reading as much as I do."
After we finished the unit, I gave them the G.O. to complete. Filling out the 'alike' part was very easy for most of them. I read similarities such as fighting with siblings, disliking school, relationships, etc. The section with the differences was a little more difficult. As on the chart on pg. 19, my students had to be specific as the the items they were comparing. I gave them an obvious beginning such as culture, living conditions, etc. and they had to fill in the rest. Most of them came up with interesting topics like hobbies, friends, school interests, city size and availability to social events.
The best part of the G.O. is at the bottom where the students had to identify patterns and come to a conclusion or interpretation of the chart. An obvious conclusion would be that all teenagers are alike, but many of my students saw that there was a lot more to life than what they think they are experiencing each day. It was a good assignment for my students to end this unit.
Pat Drussel - Dixon Middle School
Oh yes, I would like a copy of that comparison chart. I already have ideas how to use it. enielson54@gmail.com. Thanks in advance. Wow, what a cool idea and well thought out lesson plan. I wish I'd had the opportunity you gave your students so that it came alive for them. Wonderfully done!
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat opportunity to be able to see a replica of what you just read about, plus reading all the other primary source materials. It sounds like a terrific lesson.
ReplyDeleteI like your comparison chart. Usually I just use a Venn diagram because it is so easy, but your chart is something a little different that would add some variety to compare/contrast lessons. I too would like a hard copy. Send it to jwoody@dsdmail.net.
Awesome! (Over used word, I know.) That is right where I am in Social Studies at this moment, so I love your ideas. I'd also like a copy of your graphic organizer. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteAnnette.Reynolds@uintah.net
I like your idea to help the students understand the charaters by looking for similarities. I teach English, and I find students are much more likely to read a book and enjoy it if they connect to the themes/ characters/ issues, etc. Based on your blog, it seems the students were successful in making those connections.
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