Activity Overview
Teachers can further students' investigation of The Breadwinner and life in Afghanistan under Taliban rule by showing the movie adaptation of the book that was released in 2017. As with most adaptations, there are many differences and similarities between the book and the movie. Students will complete the Venn Diagram to compare and contrast the movie and the book and use these worksheets as a jumping off point for a deeper class discussion. Teachers can use this worksheet online digitally or printed out on a day when students may not have access to their computers. It's completely customizable as well, so teachers can add as little or as much guidance as they would like. Teachers may also choose to use a T Chart template in the Storyboard Creator if they want students to focus on either similarities or differences.
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: Compare and contrast the movie and the book versions of The Breadwinner.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- On the left hand side of the Venn Diagram, write about the characters, their names, personality traits and situations as well as events that occurred in the book The Breadwinner.
- On the right hand side, do the same for the movie adaptation.
- In the middle list people, places and events that were the same in both.
- Use the lines on the bottom to write your preference for either the movie or the book version.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The writing is clear and uses complete sentences. The worksheet is complete and correct. | The writing is somewhat clear and uses some complete sentences. The worksheet is complete with some incorrect responses. | The worksheet is incomplete or mostly incorrect. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
Teachers can further students' investigation of The Breadwinner and life in Afghanistan under Taliban rule by showing the movie adaptation of the book that was released in 2017. As with most adaptations, there are many differences and similarities between the book and the movie. Students will complete the Venn Diagram to compare and contrast the movie and the book and use these worksheets as a jumping off point for a deeper class discussion. Teachers can use this worksheet online digitally or printed out on a day when students may not have access to their computers. It's completely customizable as well, so teachers can add as little or as much guidance as they would like. Teachers may also choose to use a T Chart template in the Storyboard Creator if they want students to focus on either similarities or differences.
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: Compare and contrast the movie and the book versions of The Breadwinner.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- On the left hand side of the Venn Diagram, write about the characters, their names, personality traits and situations as well as events that occurred in the book The Breadwinner.
- On the right hand side, do the same for the movie adaptation.
- In the middle list people, places and events that were the same in both.
- Use the lines on the bottom to write your preference for either the movie or the book version.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The writing is clear and uses complete sentences. The worksheet is complete and correct. | The writing is somewhat clear and uses some complete sentences. The worksheet is complete with some incorrect responses. | The worksheet is incomplete or mostly incorrect. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about The Breadwinner Book vs. Film
How to lead a class discussion on themes in The Breadwinner after comparing the book and film
Guide students to analyze key themes such as courage, family, and resilience by asking open-ended questions. Encourage participation by inviting students to share examples from both versions, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy.
Encourage students to support their opinions with evidence
Prompt students to reference specific scenes or quotes from the book or film when expressing their views. This strengthens critical thinking and helps students learn how to back up their ideas with concrete details.
Create small groups for deeper discussion
Divide the class into small groups and assign each a theme or character to discuss. Small group discussions help quieter students feel comfortable sharing and promote collaborative learning.
Summarize group findings as a class
Have each group present their insights to the whole class. Facilitate a wrap-up discussion to connect ideas and highlight diverse perspectives, reinforcing learning for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Breadwinner Book vs. Film
What are the main differences between The Breadwinner book and movie?
The Breadwinner book and its film adaptation differ in several ways, including character development, specific plot events, and visual storytelling. The movie condenses some events, adds new scenes for dramatic effect, and uses animation to bring the story to life, while the book provides deeper insight into Parvana's thoughts and experiences.
How can teachers use a Venn diagram to compare The Breadwinner book and film in class?
Teachers can assign students to fill out a Venn diagram, listing unique characters, events, and traits from the book on one side, those from the movie on the other, and similarities in the middle. This helps students visually organize comparisons and spark deeper discussions about adaptation choices.
What is the best way to introduce The Breadwinner movie after reading the book?
The best way is to discuss key themes and characters from the book first, then watch the film as a class. Follow up with a compare and contrast activity, such as completing a Venn diagram or T chart, to help students analyze similarities and differences.
Why is it important for students to compare both versions of The Breadwinner?
Comparing both versions helps students develop critical thinking and media literacy skills by analyzing how stories can change across different formats. It encourages thoughtful discussion about adaptation choices, cultural context, and the impact of storytelling methods.
Are there ready-to-use worksheets for comparing The Breadwinner book and movie?
Yes, there are customizable worksheets, such as Venn diagrams and T charts, that teachers can use digitally or in print to guide students in comparing and contrasting The Breadwinner book and movie. These resources make lesson planning quicker and allow for easy class discussion starters.
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