Compare two or more versions of the same story

General

Students may be familiar with the story of the three little pigs, but have they ever considered the wolf’s point of view? This lesson will get students thinking about different versions of the same story. Students will identify similarities and differences in two similar texts and practice writing their own versions of stories.

Standards

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.2.9

Learning Objective

Students will be able to compare and contrast two or more versions of the same story by different authors.

Introduction

The lesson begins with an activity in which students compare and contrast two images. Next, students review the parts of a story: characters, setting, problem, and solution. To practice comparing and contrasting, students will list similarities and differences between giraffes and zebras using a Venn diagram.

Instruction

Students read the story “The Three Little Pigs” and then watch a video of a reading of “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs” by Jon Scieszka. They then compare the two stories by dragging details to a Venn diagram. Details include, “The wolf is sent to jail” and “The pigs each build a house.” Ask students to think of more similarities and differences that are not already listed.

Quiz

Students read two stories: “Cinderella” and “Tattercoats.” Then they respond to 10 questions related to the two texts.

Closing

Students end the lesson by choosing a story they know and writing their own version of it. They will be reminded that they can change the characters, setting, and/or events.

Teaching tips

Check for understanding as students read the story of “The Three Little Pigs.” You might ask, “Why was the wolf able to blow the house down?” or “What happened when the wolf went down the chimney?” You might do the same while watching the video, and pause as students read along. Ask students which version of the story they prefer. Why?

For the closing activity, you might have all of your students write a new version of a story they have all read together in class.

Instruction materials

There is a link to the story of “The Three Little Pigs” which can be printed.

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