Activity Overview
In this activity, students will compare and contrast The Birchbark House with another text they have read. In this example, The Birchbark House is being compared with Island of the Blue Dolphins.
- The first commonality is building a shelter. Omakayas' family were responsible for building their birchbark home and their winter cabin. Karana was responsible for building her shelter out of whale bones, wood, and stones.
- The second commonality is the fear they experience. In The Birchbark House there is the threat of non-Indian settlers, the Chimookomanug, moving the Ojibwa tribe farther west. In Island of the Blue Dolphins there is the fear of the Russians coming back to harm Karana.
- A point of contrast between the stories are the main character’s families. Omakayas had a family and friends in the community. Karana was all alone on the island for many years.
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 The Birchbark House with another text of your choice.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Select another text to compare/contrast.
- In one column, describe events or elements as they appear in The Birchbark House.
- 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 The Birchbark House with another text they have read. In this example, The Birchbark House is being compared with Island of the Blue Dolphins.
- The first commonality is building a shelter. Omakayas' family were responsible for building their birchbark home and their winter cabin. Karana was responsible for building her shelter out of whale bones, wood, and stones.
- The second commonality is the fear they experience. In The Birchbark House there is the threat of non-Indian settlers, the Chimookomanug, moving the Ojibwa tribe farther west. In Island of the Blue Dolphins there is the fear of the Russians coming back to harm Karana.
- A point of contrast between the stories are the main character’s families. Omakayas had a family and friends in the community. Karana was all alone on the island for many years.
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 The Birchbark House with another text of your choice.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Select another text to compare/contrast.
- In one column, describe events or elements as they appear in The Birchbark House.
- 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 The Birchbark House: Comparing and Contrasting Texts
How to choose effective texts for compare and contrast activities
Select texts that share key themes, characters, or settings with The Birchbark House for richer comparisons. Choose books that are at a similar reading level and offer both similarities and differences to spark discussion and critical thinking.
Guide students to identify similarities between texts
Ask students to look for common themes, character experiences, or challenges in both stories. Encourage them to use a Venn diagram or a two-column chart to visually organize these similarities for easier comparison.
Help students spot key differences between stories
Prompt students to notice differences in family structure, setting, or how characters solve problems. Use guiding questions like, "How does each character respond to danger?" or "What resources do they have?" to lead their analysis.
Encourage students to illustrate their findings
Invite students to draw or digitally create scenes that show both similarities and differences. Illustrations make abstract comparisons concrete and help visual learners better understand the texts.
Facilitate a class discussion to deepen understanding
Lead a discussion where students share their findings and reflect on how comparing texts helps them understand characters and cultures. Encourage respectful dialogue and allow students to ask questions about each other's comparisons.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Birchbark House: Comparing and Contrasting Texts
How can I compare and contrast The Birchbark House with another text in a lesson?
To compare and contrast The Birchbark House with another text, have students identify similarities and differences in themes, characters, and events. Use a two-column chart or storyboard to organize details from both books, and encourage students to illustrate key scenes for deeper understanding.
What are some common themes between The Birchbark House and Island of the Blue Dolphins?
Both novels explore survival, building shelter, facing fears from outside threats, and the importance of family or community. However, The Birchbark House emphasizes community and family bonds, while Island of the Blue Dolphins focuses on isolation and self-reliance.
What is an easy compare and contrast activity for The Birchbark House?
An easy activity is to use a template where students list similarities and differences between The Birchbark House and a chosen text, then illustrate scenes for each point. This helps visual learners and makes the comparison more engaging.
How do the main characters' experiences differ in The Birchbark House and Island of the Blue Dolphins?
Omakayas from The Birchbark House has a supportive family and community, while Karana in Island of the Blue Dolphins is alone for many years. Their experiences highlight the contrast between community support and isolation.
What is the purpose of a compare and contrast lesson for The Birchbark House?
The purpose is to help students develop critical thinking by identifying similarities and differences between texts. This activity improves comprehension and analytical skills, especially when students use evidence from both stories.
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