Introducing Comparing and Contrasting Stories

Comparing and contrasting can be a tricky skill. It seems so simple, but it trips up a lot of kids. Often kids understand what same and different mean, but they just can’t apply those concepts to stories yet. Kids who are just learning to compare and contrast may have trouble moving beyond very basic answers. I’m sure you’ve gotten answers like, “both stories have boys” and your probably had to prompt the kids to tell you how they were the same and different.

This post may contain affiliate links.

Using the right books is really important. It really helps if you can find two books that have both strong similarities and clear differences. Ones that really lead the kids in the direction you want them to go.
My favorite book combination for teaching comparing and contrasting is Chewy Louie and Harry Hungry. They provide the right balance of similarities and differences.

Chewy Louie is about a puppy that chews up everything. He even eats part of the house! Harry Hungry is about an extremely hungry baby who is wreaking havoc. In both books the adults are desperate to stop the destruction. Eventually Chewy Louie outgrows his teething stage and Harry Hungry falls asleep.

It’s also important to help kids organize their thoughts. Using a graphic organizer helps, especially as students transition from talking about their books to writing about them. Venn diagrams are a classic tool for comparing and contrasting. They can help students organize their thoughts and can even become a hands on activity. One of my favorite ways to make Venn diagram is to use two Hula Hoops to create a giant Venn diagram on the floor. I put each book inside of it and then add the details using index cards. It makes it easy to things around as needed.

How do you teach comparing and contrasting? What are your favorite books to use? Leave a comment and share them.