Chapter+2+-+Identifying+Similarities+and+Differences

**Identify the significant ideas from the chapter. List your ideas below**:
Amy will add some templates from NHREADS

Click here for NHReads Templates (note taking, comparison charts, etc.)
Music / Instrument unit demonstrated the relationship of how instruments make sounds and are classified in families.

Making Comparisons - ESL - schools comparison from native country to US schools (works for gov't, vocab, etc.)

Resistant Writing Student - comparisons given orally, then allowing the student to write on the board as opposed to pen/paper.

Performers play any pitch on their instrument until they get the signal to all play the same note. This can show how instruments play in tune with one another.

Using graphic organizers helps some students to organize the information they need to know for a particular concept taught in class.

I use metaphors when teaching cell organelles. Students compare each cell organelle to a city in a project called Cell City. For example the nucleus can be compared to City Hall. After reviewing this together, students are asked to independently identify the similarities and differences using their own analogies like comparing them to a home or football team, etc. This enhances their understanding and knowledge of the cell parts. (other student examples...hockey and other areas the students are familiar with)

Page 16... "One of the more powerful findings within this general category of instructional strategies is that graphic and symbolic representations of similarities and differences enhance students' understanding of content" I have found graphic representations are extremely beneficial for students with math topics/content ex: Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median, Mode, Range.....I have also found GREAT value in having students determine what something is NOT in a graphic table/web format.

Writing analogies and metaphors to demonstrate knowledge of similarities/differences is a great idea! I would probably start with the teacher-directed analogies/metaphors first to teach them the nature of analogies/metaphors, then I would use the graphic organizers to help guide them when they are ready to develop their own based on a specific topic.

Math - classifications of quad's...t charts; student directed activities used to classify varied shapes/etc; Science - classification (kingdoms) - used to compare cell types Social Studies - constant compare/contrast...federalists vs.; core of knowledge and understanding


 * 1) Venn diagrams are useful when drawing out or reviewing student knowledge. ex. drugs stimulants vs. depressants or male versus females reproductive systems.
 * 2) symbolic tool for rep. of similarities and differences include Venn diagrams and comparison matrix. Venn diagrams are used often in some SS classes
 * 3) Using groups of numbers students can work together or by themselves to classify numbers into categories. Using a chart similar to the one on page 22. Students can then create a title for their categories.
 * 4) Adding a visual drawing when discussing multiple meaning words adds another connection for my visual learners. This is a huge piece of the Language! Program. Language ! Program for special education students helps all.
 * 5) Use of metaphors helps all to understand
 * 6) Use of graphic organizers to compare and contrast may be used in all content areas.
 * 7) UA and other staff uses Venn diagrams orally in some instances, showing some connections to other disciplines
 * 8) Special Education / You Tube / Holocaust example
 * 9) Similarities and differences may require prior connections for students and some knowledge base (something to pin it on).