Dear Parent/Guardian,

Your child is currently working on the literacy strategy, Compare and contrast within and between texts, which helps with the overall goal, Comprehension.

One way readers understand new ideas in text is by thinking about how things are alike or different. This understanding deepens their comprehension. Compare and contrast within and between texts assists the reader by engaging them in critical thinking. Comparing involves highlighting similarities and differences. Contrasting focuses only on differences. Exposure to various texts along with discussion is the best way to use this strategy to improve comprehension.

How can you help your child with this strategy at home?
  1. When comparing two items discuss likenesses and differences of what is being compared. Begin comparing two people or places and then move on to comparing the characters or settings in a story.
  2. Look for clue words in text or use these words when comparing texts.
    • Comparing words
      • Clue words: like, as
      • Simile – than, as
    • Contrasting words
      • Clue words: but, unlike
  3. When reading to your child, model this strategy by thinking out loud. This may sound something like, “This story is a lot like _____ because _____. I noticed _____ and ____ are very similar. I also noticed a few differences. Some things that were not the same are_____.”
  4. After reading two different stories, discuss the following:
    • How are these stories the same? How are they different?
    • Compare the characters in each story.
    • How might you compare these stories?
Thank you for your continued support at home!

—Mrs. Boushey

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