Activity Overview
The main characters in One Crazy Summer are Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern. They share the bond of sisterhood but carry unique perspectives and display very different personalities that are revealed throughout the novel. A Venn diagram is a useful tool to compare and contrast characters. In this activity, students will compare and contrast at least 2 characters from the novel using a Venn diagram.
This example compares and contrasts Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern. Other characters students could compare are Delphine and Nzila, Big Ma and Nzila, Sister Mukumbu and Crazy Kelvin, etc. Students could also compare the difference between the Black Panthers' portrayal in the media vs. the Black Panthers that Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern come to know.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a Venn diagram comparing two or three characters from the book, One Crazy Summer.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the characters from One Crazy Summer you wish to compare and contrast and find StoryboardThat characters that look like them.
- Write a list of their characteristics and experiences for each character. If there are similarities, put them in the center overlapping oval.
- Add attributes (images that represent a character's interests).
- Write a description of each of the examples.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements:
- Characters: Images of people to represent your characters.
- Attributes: images of items, scenes to represent their characteristics or experiences.
- Names of the characters and words to describe each person.
- Make sure their similarities are in the center oval and their differences are on either side.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compare and Contrast | Text includes a clear explanation of similarities and differences between the characters. These comparisons go beyond superficial elements and show strong understanding. | Text includes an explanation of similarities and differences between the characters, but the explanation may lack clarity or show only superficial understanding. | Text may include no explanation of similarities and differences between the characters, or they may make only superficial or inaccurate comparisons. |
| Storyboard Design | Student clearly shows effort, time and care to include appropriate StoryboardThat characters for each book character and uses items, animals or scenes in their design to describe their characters attributes. | Depictions of characters and their attributes are mostly accurate to the story but may have some discrepancies. The depictions show minimal effort, time, and care. | Many depictions of characters and their attributes are inaccurate or they are missing. There was very little time or effort put into the depictions. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes a minor error in spelling and grammar. | Student makes several minor errors in spelling and grammar. |
Activity Overview
The main characters in One Crazy Summer are Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern. They share the bond of sisterhood but carry unique perspectives and display very different personalities that are revealed throughout the novel. A Venn diagram is a useful tool to compare and contrast characters. In this activity, students will compare and contrast at least 2 characters from the novel using a Venn diagram.
This example compares and contrasts Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern. Other characters students could compare are Delphine and Nzila, Big Ma and Nzila, Sister Mukumbu and Crazy Kelvin, etc. Students could also compare the difference between the Black Panthers' portrayal in the media vs. the Black Panthers that Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern come to know.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a Venn diagram comparing two or three characters from the book, One Crazy Summer.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the characters from One Crazy Summer you wish to compare and contrast and find StoryboardThat characters that look like them.
- Write a list of their characteristics and experiences for each character. If there are similarities, put them in the center overlapping oval.
- Add attributes (images that represent a character's interests).
- Write a description of each of the examples.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements:
- Characters: Images of people to represent your characters.
- Attributes: images of items, scenes to represent their characteristics or experiences.
- Names of the characters and words to describe each person.
- Make sure their similarities are in the center oval and their differences are on either side.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compare and Contrast | Text includes a clear explanation of similarities and differences between the characters. These comparisons go beyond superficial elements and show strong understanding. | Text includes an explanation of similarities and differences between the characters, but the explanation may lack clarity or show only superficial understanding. | Text may include no explanation of similarities and differences between the characters, or they may make only superficial or inaccurate comparisons. |
| Storyboard Design | Student clearly shows effort, time and care to include appropriate StoryboardThat characters for each book character and uses items, animals or scenes in their design to describe their characters attributes. | Depictions of characters and their attributes are mostly accurate to the story but may have some discrepancies. The depictions show minimal effort, time, and care. | Many depictions of characters and their attributes are inaccurate or they are missing. There was very little time or effort put into the depictions. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes a minor error in spelling and grammar. | Student makes several minor errors in spelling and grammar. |
How Tos about Compare Characters in One Crazy Summer
Organize a class discussion about character similarities and differences
Facilitate a whole-class conversation where students share observations about how characters in One Crazy Summer are alike or different. This builds deeper understanding and gives everyone a chance to voice their ideas.
Assign students to small groups to brainstorm character traits
Divide your class into groups and ask each team to list character traits for main characters. Working together helps students notice more details and encourages collaboration.
Guide students to use sticky notes for organizing similarities and differences
Provide sticky notes for each group to write traits and experiences of characters. Have them place notes in a Venn diagram on a large poster or whiteboard, making it easy to move ideas around as they discuss.
Encourage students to support their ideas with evidence from the text
Ask students to find quotes or moments from the book that show each trait or difference. This strengthens textual analysis skills and ensures comparisons are accurate.
Wrap up with a class reflection on why character differences matter
Lead a short reflection where students discuss how character differences affect the story and what they learned about empathy and perspective. This step helps students connect literature to real life.
Frequently Asked Questions about Compare Characters in One Crazy Summer
How do I compare and contrast characters in One Crazy Summer?
To compare and contrast characters in One Crazy Summer, identify their unique traits and experiences, then use a Venn diagram to organize similarities and differences. Place shared qualities in the overlapping section and individual traits on each side.
What is a good example of a Venn diagram for One Crazy Summer characters?
An effective Venn diagram might compare Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern. List their personalities and experiences in separate circles, and write shared traits in the center. For instance, all three are sisters, but Delphine is responsible, Vonetta is outgoing, and Fern is sensitive.
Which characters from One Crazy Summer are best for a compare and contrast lesson?
Delphine and Vonetta or Delphine and Fern are great pairs for a compare and contrast lesson since they have distinct personalities and perspectives. You can also compare characters like Sister Mukumbu and Crazy Kelvin for more advanced analysis.
How can students use StoryboardThat to compare characters in One Crazy Summer?
Students can use StoryboardThat by selecting character images, adding attributes or scenes that represent each character's traits, and organizing them in a Venn diagram template. Label each section and add brief descriptions for clarity.
What are the steps for creating a Venn diagram for a character comparison activity?
First, choose two or three characters to compare. Make a list of their traits and experiences, placing similarities in the center of the Venn diagram and differences on the sides. Add images and descriptive words for each character, then write short explanations for your choices.
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One Crazy Summer
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