Venn Diagrams

• Use Venn diagrams to compare and contrast text in two similar stories. One idea for similar stories is the fairy tell Little Red Riding Hood and the Newbery award winning book "Number the Stars" by Lois Lowry. For students to successfully compare and contrast text they have to understand the text. A venn diagram is a good assessment for measuring reading comprehension.
  
  

Conclusions Worksheet

• After reading a book have students draw a conclusion chart on their paper. This chart is made of three sections and is similar to a KWL chart. The first should be labeled "Clues in the Book." The second should be titled "Things I Know," and the third section should be labeled "Conclusions." Aesop's fable "The Grasshopper and the Owl" is an example of a story that could be used for this activity.
  
  

Fishbone Map

• Use a fishbone map to help students express their ideas for the main idea of the story as well as supporting details. A fishbone map uses the picture of a fish with the main bone down the center of the fish being used to record the main idea. The bones on the sides of the fish are used for recording supporting details.
  
  

Character Chart

• A character chart is a way for students to describe the characters in the story and relate characteristics of the character to the period in history in which the story takes place. Have the students draw three columns on their paper. Title the first column "Characters" and have the students write down the names of the characters. Label the second column "Relationship to the Main Character" and have the students write down how the character they are describing helps or hurts the main character. The third column should be titled "Characteristics." In this column students describe traits of each character.