1. Mini lesson Comparing Themes and Topics — 5th grade

2. Connection
We have learned how to complete a Comparison Grid that will help us to identify similarities and differences across different fantasy stories.
Today we will use this grid to discuss similarities and differences of stories in their approach to similar themes and topics.

3. Teaching
We know that many fantasies follow an event structure where something is wrong in the fabric of the universe, or the world is out of order.
The characters may represent stereotypes of good and evil and the main characters are usually on a quest or journey to help restore order to the world.

4. Let’s look at the Comparison Grid we completed in our last lesson that shows important information about the two fantasy stories read during read aloud.

5. Comparison Grid Title Cinderella Pinocchio Similarities Differences
Conclusions
Setting
Characters
Problem
Events
Solution/
Ending
Magic
Illustrations
Other

6. Using this grid, we are going to participate in a whole class discussion to compare and contrast their approaches to similar themes and topics.
We will use focus questions to guide our discussion.
We will first answer the question using one text.
After we have a good understanding with that text, we will respond to the same question using the second text.
Finally, we will compare and contrast the two stories as it relates to the focus question.

7. Let’s begin by focusing on the main character’s quest in each fantasy.
What was the main character’s quest in Cinderella?
What was the purpose of his/her journey?
Now that we have a good understanding of the character’s quest in the first book, let’s focus on the second book.
What was the main character’s quest in Pinocchio?

8. What similarities do you notice in this regard? (Discuss.) 
What differences do you notice in this regard? (Discuss.)
How do these comparisons help you better understand the structure and themes in fantasy?
Identifying similarities and differences across texts within the same genre contributes to your overall understanding of the genre.

9. Reading Talk Work with a partner to answer the following questions:
How did each story show forces of good and evil?
What are the similarities and differences in the approach of each story in this respect?

10. Link
As you read, think about how the book you are reading is like other books you’ve read in the same genre.