Activity Overview
A fun way to get your students to connect with and understand the two main characters is to have them compare and contrast their qualities. Janet Stevens does a good job at describing many differences and some similarities between the characters, Hare and Bear.
Students can use the text to find character traits and physical traits of Bear and Hare. Students can work individually or in pairs to research and compile a list of evidence. Once students have traits for each character, they can compare/contrast. Students will describe the traits they compiled about Hare on one side and the traits they discovered of Bear on the other. The traits that they both share will go in the middle. Using the T-Chart layout, students can create a version of a Venn Diagram!
Bear: wealthy
Hare: poor
Bear: lazy
Hare: hard working
Bear: animals
Hare: live in the same area
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 two characters from Tops and Bottoms.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- List the traits that are similar between your chosen characters in the middle cell.
- On the right side, describe the traits that make one character unique.
- On the left side, describe the traits that make the other character unique.
- Illustrate each cell with appropriate characters and scenes!
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
A fun way to get your students to connect with and understand the two main characters is to have them compare and contrast their qualities. Janet Stevens does a good job at describing many differences and some similarities between the characters, Hare and Bear.
Students can use the text to find character traits and physical traits of Bear and Hare. Students can work individually or in pairs to research and compile a list of evidence. Once students have traits for each character, they can compare/contrast. Students will describe the traits they compiled about Hare on one side and the traits they discovered of Bear on the other. The traits that they both share will go in the middle. Using the T-Chart layout, students can create a version of a Venn Diagram!
Bear: wealthy
Hare: poor
Bear: lazy
Hare: hard working
Bear: animals
Hare: live in the same area
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 two characters from Tops and Bottoms.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- List the traits that are similar between your chosen characters in the middle cell.
- On the right side, describe the traits that make one character unique.
- On the left side, describe the traits that make the other character unique.
- Illustrate each cell with appropriate characters and scenes!
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 Comparing and Contrasting in Tops and Bottoms
How can I help students support their comparisons with text evidence in Tops and Bottoms?
Teach students to use direct quotes or paraphrased details from the story when comparing Hare and Bear. Model how to find and record specific sentences or actions that highlight each character’s traits. This approach builds strong reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Guide students to reread key passages for evidence.
Encourage your class to go back to the text and highlight or underline sentences that reveal character traits. Show how rereading helps uncover important details they may have missed on the first read.
Encourage students to use sentence starters for citing evidence.
Provide sentence frames like “On page ___, Hare…” or “The author describes Bear as…” so students can easily connect their observations to the story. Scaffold their writing to boost confidence and clarity.
Have students share and discuss their evidence in pairs.
Ask partners to compare their notes and explain why they chose certain evidence. Peer discussion encourages deeper thinking and helps students refine their comparisons.
Create a class anchor chart of evidence examples.
Collect strong examples of text evidence from students and display them on a chart. Refer back to the chart during future compare-and-contrast activities to reinforce good habits.
Frequently Asked Questions about Comparing and Contrasting in Tops and Bottoms
How can I help students compare and contrast characters in Tops and Bottoms?
To help students compare and contrast characters in Tops and Bottoms, have them identify and list traits of Hare and Bear from the text. Use a T-Chart or Venn Diagram to organize similarities in the middle and unique traits on each side. Encourage students to illustrate their comparisons for deeper understanding.
What are the main differences between Hare and Bear in Tops and Bottoms?
Hare is portrayed as poor and hardworking, while Bear is wealthy and lazy. Both live in the same area, but their personalities and work ethics set them apart, making them ideal for a compare and contrast activity.
What is an easy activity to teach compare and contrast using Tops and Bottoms?
An easy activity is to create a T-Chart or Venn Diagram with students. List Hare's traits on one side, Bear's on the other, and shared traits in the center. Students can add illustrations to make the lesson fun and memorable.
How do I use a Venn Diagram for character comparison in a 2nd or 3rd grade classroom?
Have students draw two overlapping circles. Label each circle with a character’s name. Ask them to write unique traits in each character’s section and shared traits where the circles overlap. This visual helps students clearly see similarities and differences.
Why is comparing and contrasting characters important in elementary reading lessons?
Comparing and contrasting characters builds critical thinking and comprehension skills. It encourages students to look for evidence in the text, understand characters’ motivations, and recognize how differences and similarities drive the story.
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