Activity Overview
In this activity students will compare and contrast characters within the text. In this example, Jess is compared to Leslie. The two characters are both caring and motivated people; however, their interests and desires for adventure are much different.
Example Character Compare and Contrast Response
| Jess | Leslie |
|---|---|
| Jess has many fears: he panics at the thought of scuba diving, and lays in bed worrying about jumping the creek. | Leslie doesn’t seem to be afraid of anything. |
| Jess tries to avoid his family as much as possible, really only caring for his younger sister, May Belle. | Leslie enjoys spending time with her dad, helping him fix up the house, and listening to his stories. |
| Jess doesn't have self-confidence; he thinks he is stupid and hides his drawing talents from people in fear that he will be made fun of. | Leslie is well-read and bright; she also has quite the imagination and encourages creativity. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Compare and Contrast characters in the text.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write the characters names in the title boxes.
- Describe the first character's traits in the first column.
- Describe the second character's traits in the second column.
- Create illustrations for the cells using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and dialogue.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison Analysis | Text and images include a clear explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics. These comparisons go beyond superficial elements and show strong understanding. | Text and images include an explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics, but the explanation may lack clarity or show only superficial understanding in some squares. | Text and images may include no explanation of similarities and/or differences, or they may make only superficial or inaccurate comparisons. |
| Storyboard Image and Effort | Student clearly shows effort to convey the setting, characters and specific scene of the book. The scene is clearly identifiable based on the graphic depiction. | Student attempts to convey the setting, characters, and specific scene through use of graphics, but the depiction may be confusing, disordered, or lack some detail. | Student does not clearly convey the setting, characters, and scene. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes one or two minor errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar. |
Activity Overview
In this activity students will compare and contrast characters within the text. In this example, Jess is compared to Leslie. The two characters are both caring and motivated people; however, their interests and desires for adventure are much different.
Example Character Compare and Contrast Response
| Jess | Leslie |
|---|---|
| Jess has many fears: he panics at the thought of scuba diving, and lays in bed worrying about jumping the creek. | Leslie doesn’t seem to be afraid of anything. |
| Jess tries to avoid his family as much as possible, really only caring for his younger sister, May Belle. | Leslie enjoys spending time with her dad, helping him fix up the house, and listening to his stories. |
| Jess doesn't have self-confidence; he thinks he is stupid and hides his drawing talents from people in fear that he will be made fun of. | Leslie is well-read and bright; she also has quite the imagination and encourages creativity. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Compare and Contrast characters in the text.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write the characters names in the title boxes.
- Describe the first character's traits in the first column.
- Describe the second character's traits in the second column.
- Create illustrations for the cells using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and dialogue.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison Analysis | Text and images include a clear explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics. These comparisons go beyond superficial elements and show strong understanding. | Text and images include an explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics, but the explanation may lack clarity or show only superficial understanding in some squares. | Text and images may include no explanation of similarities and/or differences, or they may make only superficial or inaccurate comparisons. |
| Storyboard Image and Effort | Student clearly shows effort to convey the setting, characters and specific scene of the book. The scene is clearly identifiable based on the graphic depiction. | Student attempts to convey the setting, characters, and specific scene through use of graphics, but the depiction may be confusing, disordered, or lack some detail. | Student does not clearly convey the setting, characters, and scene. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes one or two minor errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar. |
How Tos about Compare and Contrast Bridge to Terabithia Characters
Encourage deeper thinking with character motivation journals
Invite students to keep a character motivation journal as they read. This helps students track what drives each character’s actions and decisions throughout the story.
Guide students to select a main character and set up their journal
Ask each student to pick Jess or Leslie and dedicate a section of their notebook to that character. Creating a focused space encourages organization and ownership.
Prompt students to record motivations and changes after each chapter
Remind students to jot down what motivates their chosen character after every chapter, noting any changes or new influences. This builds reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Foster classroom discussion using journal insights
Organize small group or whole-class discussions where students share discoveries from their journals. Comparing motivations across characters leads to richer conversations and deeper understanding.
Wrap up with a reflection activity connecting motivations to themes
Have students reflect on how character motivations connect to the story’s bigger themes, either in writing or through a creative project. This helps students synthesize their learning and make meaningful connections.
Frequently Asked Questions about Compare and Contrast Bridge to Terabithia Characters
How can students compare and contrast characters in Bridge to Terabithia?
Students can compare and contrast characters in Bridge to Terabithia by identifying each character's traits, interests, and motivations. Using a graphic organizer or chart, they can list similarities and differences between characters like Jess and Leslie, focusing on their fears, relationships, and creativity.
What are the main differences between Jess and Leslie in Bridge to Terabithia?
Jess is often fearful, lacks self-confidence, and keeps his talents hidden, while Leslie is adventurous, imaginative, and openly enjoys spending time with her family. Their contrasting personalities highlight their unique approaches to challenges and friendship.
What is an easy classroom activity to help students compare characters in a novel?
An effective activity is to have students use a compare and contrast chart or Venn diagram. Students write each character's name at the top, list traits in separate columns, and add illustrations or examples from the story to support their observations.
Why is comparing and contrasting characters important for 4th and 5th graders?
Comparing and contrasting characters helps 4th and 5th graders build critical thinking and reading comprehension skills. It encourages them to analyze personalities, motives, and actions, leading to a deeper understanding of the story and its themes.
What are some creative ways to illustrate character differences in Bridge to Terabithia?
Students can draw scenes, create digital illustrations, or use storyboards to highlight key differences between Jess and Leslie. Including dialogue or specific story moments helps make the contrasts more vivid and engaging.
More Storyboard That Activities
Bridge to Terabithia
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