Activity Overview
In this activity, students will compare what they have read in "Kenya’s Long Dry Season" with the article, "Drought seen getting worse in Washington state this summer" (or similar) in a T-Chart. The T-Chart could have two columns, as in a traditional T-Chart and the example below, or use three columns for a Venn Diagram. These texts both discuss drought and the effects it can have on the environment and community, but for very different locations.
"Kenya’s Long Dry Season"
- For the past three seasons, the rains have failed to come to Kenya.
- Kenya's grasslands are dried out and cattle are dying.
- The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) needs $230 million in donations.
"Drought seen getting worse in Washington state this summer"
- Washington state is experiencing a drought. Farmers are being paid not to water their crops until the end of the summer.
- Salmon may be stranded in shallow water or could be harmed by the warm temperatures.
- The Department of Ecology is waiting for $18 million dollars to get water to help farmers.
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
Students will compare, analyze, and synthesize the ideas in two different texts.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write the titles of the two texts in the column headings.
- Write information from the texts in the description boxes. Be sure that the information in the left column and the right column are related.
- Add illustrations for each cell, 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Similarities | Student identifies and explains many of the similarities between the two. | Student identifies and explains some of the similarities between the two. | Student identifies and explains few of the similarities between the two. |
| Differences | Student identifies and explains many of the differences between the two. | Student identifies and explains some of the differences between the two. | Student identifies and explains few of the differences between the two. |
| Images | Images are clear and creative. | Most images are easy to understand, but at least two images do not fit. | Images are not easy to understand. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student makes few errors. | Student makes two or three errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar. |
Activity Overview
In this activity, students will compare what they have read in "Kenya’s Long Dry Season" with the article, "Drought seen getting worse in Washington state this summer" (or similar) in a T-Chart. The T-Chart could have two columns, as in a traditional T-Chart and the example below, or use three columns for a Venn Diagram. These texts both discuss drought and the effects it can have on the environment and community, but for very different locations.
"Kenya’s Long Dry Season"
- For the past three seasons, the rains have failed to come to Kenya.
- Kenya's grasslands are dried out and cattle are dying.
- The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) needs $230 million in donations.
"Drought seen getting worse in Washington state this summer"
- Washington state is experiencing a drought. Farmers are being paid not to water their crops until the end of the summer.
- Salmon may be stranded in shallow water or could be harmed by the warm temperatures.
- The Department of Ecology is waiting for $18 million dollars to get water to help farmers.
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
Students will compare, analyze, and synthesize the ideas in two different texts.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write the titles of the two texts in the column headings.
- Write information from the texts in the description boxes. Be sure that the information in the left column and the right column are related.
- Add illustrations for each cell, 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Similarities | Student identifies and explains many of the similarities between the two. | Student identifies and explains some of the similarities between the two. | Student identifies and explains few of the similarities between the two. |
| Differences | Student identifies and explains many of the differences between the two. | Student identifies and explains some of the differences between the two. | Student identifies and explains few of the differences between the two. |
| Images | Images are clear and creative. | Most images are easy to understand, but at least two images do not fit. | Images are not easy to understand. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student makes few errors. | Student makes two or three errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar. |
How Tos about Compare and Contrast in \"Kenya\'s Long Dry Season\"
Introduce key vocabulary before comparing texts
Prepare students by teaching important words such as drought, environment, donation, farmer, and salmon before starting the activity. This helps all learners better understand the texts and participate confidently in the comparison.
Model how to fill out a T-Chart using a think-aloud
Demonstrate the process by completing one row of the T-Chart in front of your students while describing your thought process out loud. This shows students how to find similarities and differences and gives them a clear example to follow.
Guide students to cite evidence from both texts
Encourage students to use direct quotes or specific details from each article when adding information to the chart. This strengthens their comparison skills and supports their answers with clear evidence.
Facilitate peer discussions to deepen understanding
Pair students or create small groups to share their T-Chart findings. Encourage them to discuss similarities and differences they noticed, which helps build critical thinking and collaboration skills.
Incorporate creative illustrations to reinforce comprehension
Ask students to draw scenes or items for each T-Chart cell, such as a dry savanna or stranded salmon. Visual representations help solidify understanding and make learning more engaging.
Frequently Asked Questions about Compare and Contrast in \"Kenya\'s Long Dry Season\"
How can I teach students to compare and contrast two articles about drought?
Use a T-Chart or Venn Diagram to help students organize similarities and differences between the texts. Guide them to focus on key details, causes, and effects in each article, encouraging discussion about how drought impacts different communities.
What is a T-Chart and how do I use it for comparing texts?
A T-Chart is a graphic organizer with two columns for comparing two topics. Write each article's title at the top of each column. Students list related details from each text underneath, making it easy to see similarities and differences.
What are the main differences between drought in Kenya and Washington state?
Kenya's drought led to dried grasslands, dying cattle, and a need for food aid. In Washington state, the drought affects farmers and salmon, and the government is seeking funds for water. The impacts and responses differ by location.
How do I help students synthesize ideas from two different informational texts?
Encourage students to identify key themes in each text, compare them using a chart, and then discuss or write about what the texts have in common and how they differ. Ask guiding questions to connect their findings.
What are some tips for adding illustrations to compare and contrast charts?
Suggest students draw scenes, characters, or items from each article to visually represent the information. Use dialogue bubbles or captions to show key details, helping make the comparison more engaging and memorable.
More Storyboard That Activities
Kenya’s Long Dry Season
![Cause and Effect in "Kenya’s Long Dry Season" Storyboard](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-cells/1018844/cell-row-0-col-0-w400.png "Cause and Effect in "Kenya’s Long Dry Season"")
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
