Activity Overview
Pickles the cat changes a lot throughout the story. In this activity, students work to identify how he changes from the beginning of the story to the end. Students can work individually or in pairs to research and compile a list of evidence. Students will describe the traits they compiled about Pickles in the beginning on one side, and the traits they discovered that have changed in the end on the other. The traits that remain the same throughout the story will go in the middle.
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 development of Pickles in The Fire Cat.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Describe Pickles in the beginning of the story in the first cell and illustrate him then.
- Describe Pickles at the end of the story in the third cell and illustrate him.
- List things that remained the same in the middle cell.
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
Pickles the cat changes a lot throughout the story. In this activity, students work to identify how he changes from the beginning of the story to the end. Students can work individually or in pairs to research and compile a list of evidence. Students will describe the traits they compiled about Pickles in the beginning on one side, and the traits they discovered that have changed in the end on the other. The traits that remain the same throughout the story will go in the middle.
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 development of Pickles in The Fire Cat.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Describe Pickles in the beginning of the story in the first cell and illustrate him then.
- Describe Pickles at the end of the story in the third cell and illustrate him.
- List things that remained the same in the middle cell.
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 Character Evolution: Compare and Contrast Pickles
Set clear expectations for comparing and contrasting characters
Explain to students what it means to compare and contrast by giving simple examples. Clarifying expectations helps students focus on identifying both differences and similarities in character traits.
Model using evidence from the text
Demonstrate how to find and record character traits using specific examples from the story. Show students how to look for words, actions, and illustrations that reveal how Pickles changes.
Guide students to use graphic organizers effectively
Provide students with a compare and contrast template. Walk them through filling in each section so they can organize their ideas clearly and visually.
Encourage thoughtful discussion in pairs or small groups
Ask students to share and compare their findings with classmates. Promoting discussion helps them deepen their understanding and notice new details about the character’s evolution.
Reflect on why character changes matter in stories
Facilitate a class conversation about how and why characters change. Connecting these changes to the story’s message makes the lesson more meaningful for students.
Frequently Asked Questions about Character Evolution: Compare and Contrast Pickles
How do you compare and contrast Pickles' character development in The Fire Cat?
To compare and contrast Pickles' character development in The Fire Cat, list his traits at the beginning and end of the story. Note the differences, such as new skills or attitudes, and highlight any traits that stay the same throughout. Using a storyboard or a Venn diagram helps organize these observations visually.
What are some examples of how Pickles changes from the start to the end of The Fire Cat?
At the start of The Fire Cat, Pickles is often mischievous and unsure of his place. By the end, he becomes more responsible and finds a sense of belonging as a fire cat. This change is shown through his actions, new friendships, and the respect he earns.
What is the best way for students to show character evolution in a storyboard?
The best way is to use three sections: describe and illustrate Pickles at the beginning, list traits that stay the same in the middle, and show his new traits or changes at the end. This makes it easy to see how his character evolves throughout the story.
Why is it important for students to compare and contrast character traits in stories?
Comparing and contrasting character traits helps students understand character growth, motivations, and themes. It builds reading comprehension and critical thinking by encouraging students to look for evidence and notice changes over time.
How can K-12 teachers quickly set up a compare and contrast lesson for The Fire Cat?
Teachers can provide a simple template or storyboard with three columns: beginning, middle (unchanged traits), and end. Students fill in each section based on Pickles' traits in The Fire Cat, then discuss their findings in pairs or as a class.
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