Activity Overview
In this activity, students will compare and contrast Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with another text they have read. In this example, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is being compared with The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
- The first point of contrast is that of wealth and family; Charlie Bucket lives in extreme poverty, but has a loving family, while Huckleberry Finn has reward money, but lacks a family.
- The second contrast is the setting; Charlie adventure is a visit to Wonka’s magical factory with many mysterious inventions and peculiar oompa-loompas. Huck’s adventures are aboard a raft and filled with real danger.
- A commonality to compare between the stories are Charlie and Huck as characters; they are both good boys who receive a reward in the end. Charlie wins shelter and a lifetime supply of food, and Huck is adopted by Tom Sawyer’s family.
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
Create a storyboard comparing and contrasting Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with another text.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Select another text to compare/contrast.
- Identify several elements to compare/contrast, like life or adventure.
- In one column, describe each element as it appears in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
- In the other column, describe each element as it appears in your chosen text.
- Illustrate each scene with appropriate characters, items, dialogue, and scenes.
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 of the story elements. | 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. |
| Textual Explanation | The text clearly and accurately describes all the scenes and concepts depicted. | The text clearly and accurately describes most of the scenes and concepts depicted. | The text fails to describe most of the scenes clearly and accurately. |
| 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 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with another text they have read. In this example, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is being compared with The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
- The first point of contrast is that of wealth and family; Charlie Bucket lives in extreme poverty, but has a loving family, while Huckleberry Finn has reward money, but lacks a family.
- The second contrast is the setting; Charlie adventure is a visit to Wonka’s magical factory with many mysterious inventions and peculiar oompa-loompas. Huck’s adventures are aboard a raft and filled with real danger.
- A commonality to compare between the stories are Charlie and Huck as characters; they are both good boys who receive a reward in the end. Charlie wins shelter and a lifetime supply of food, and Huck is adopted by Tom Sawyer’s family.
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
Create a storyboard comparing and contrasting Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with another text.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Select another text to compare/contrast.
- Identify several elements to compare/contrast, like life or adventure.
- In one column, describe each element as it appears in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
- In the other column, describe each element as it appears in your chosen text.
- Illustrate each scene with appropriate characters, items, dialogue, and scenes.
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 of the story elements. | 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. |
| Textual Explanation | The text clearly and accurately describes all the scenes and concepts depicted. | The text clearly and accurately describes most of the scenes and concepts depicted. | The text fails to describe most of the scenes clearly and accurately. |
| 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 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Compare and Contrast Texts
Engage students with a lively compare and contrast classroom discussion
Boost engagement by leading a whole-class discussion where students share their storyboard findings and explore different perspectives together. Group conversations can deepen understanding and make comparisons more meaningful.
Prepare students by modeling a sample comparison aloud
Demonstrate how to compare the main character of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with a character from another story using a think-aloud. This helps students see your thought process and clarifies expectations.
Guide students in selecting strong comparison points
Assist students in brainstorming meaningful elements to compare, such as character traits, challenges, or settings. Encourage them to pick points that reveal important story differences or similarities.
Support students in using evidence from both texts
Remind students to back up their comparisons with specific examples or quotes from each text. Evidence strengthens their analysis and helps them practice citing sources.
Wrap up with a creative extension activity
Invite students to create a poster, skit, or digital comic that highlights their favorite comparison. This creative step reinforces learning and allows for varied expression.
Frequently Asked Questions about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Compare and Contrast Texts
How can I compare and contrast Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with another book in a lesson?
To compare and contrast Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with another book, choose key elements such as characters, setting, theme, and plot. Create a chart or storyboard with columns for each text, describe similarities and differences, and use examples from both stories to support your points.
What are good texts to compare with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in upper elementary grades?
Some good texts to compare with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for upper elementary students include James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, Matilda, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, or Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (the movie adaptation). Choose texts with strong themes of adventure, family, or personal growth.
What are key similarities and differences between Charlie and Huck as characters?
Charlie and Huck are both kind, resourceful boys who face challenges and are ultimately rewarded. However, Charlie lives in poverty with a loving family, while Huck has money but lacks a stable home. Their adventures are also different: Charlie's is magical and safe, while Huck's is realistic and dangerous.
What is a simple compare and contrast template for elementary students?
A simple compare and contrast template has two columns: one for each book. List elements like characters, setting, or theme in rows. In each column, describe how that element appears in the respective text. Add illustrations for visual support.
How do I help students illustrate differences between settings in two stories?
Have students draw or use storyboards to show the unique settings of each story. For example, Charlie's world is a magical chocolate factory, while Huck's is a raft on a river. Encourage them to include important characters, items, and details in their illustrations.
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