Identifying Similarities & Differences

4 Highly effective forms

to identify similarities and differences

For example,

Comparing
The identification of important characteristics is the key to effective comparison. It is these characteristics that are then used as the basis to identify similarities and differences.
-Marzano,2001

Compare the basic types and patterns of weather.

Comparing Two Stories (Second Grade Example)

Comparing Two Concepts (Third Grade Example)

Comparing: Predictions and Outcomes (First Grade Example) .

Comparing: Cause/Effect (Second Grade Example)

For example,
Simple Machines

Classifying
The process of grouping things that are alike into categories on the basis of their characteristics.
It is critical to identify the rules that govern class or category membership. -Marzano,2001

any device that only requires the application of a single force to work

Complex Machines
QuickTime and a TIFF (Un compressed) decompressor are neede d to se e this picture.

any machine made up of two or more simple machines

Classifying: Characteristics (Kindergarten Example)

Classifying: Phonics Web (Kindergarten Example)

Classifying: Math Shapes (Kindergarten Example)

Classifying: Word Sorts

Classifying: Types of Sentences (Second Grade Example)

Classifying: Indians (Second Grade Example)

Classifying: Important Facts and Interesting Facts (Second Grade Example)

Classifying: Telling Time (Third Grade Example)

Classifying: Word Sort (Third Grade Example)

Classifying: Pilgrim Facts (Third Grade Example)

Creating Metaphors
For example, Snow is a blanket.

The two items in a metaphor are connected by an abstract or nonliteral relationship.

-Marzano,2001

Metaphors
Two elements that have different literal definitions, but share a common relationship.

Metaphors
(read from center out)
pizza
like like door

Circle
Shapes

Rectangle

Triangle
roof like

Square
like cracker

Other Strategies
Have students follow the steps below to build their understanding of metaphors/similes.

1. Listen or look for the words like or as as clues to a possible simile.

2. Identify the two things being compared. 3. Think about the two things being compared. 4. Form a mental image of the comparison. 5. Identify what the speaker or writer is trying to communicate.

A Strategy for teaching Metaphors

Pictures

Ducks In A Row

Recognizing similes will help students better understand what they hear or read. They are able to form a mental image of the comparison and therefore increase their understanding. Using similes when they speak or write can improve their communication as well.
Moves like a snail. Quiet as a mouse.

Creating Analogies
Examples,

Shoe is to foot as tire is to wheel Followers are to a leader as planets are to a sun
Shells were to ancient cultures as dollar bills are to modern culture
Retrieved from : http://www.epcc.edu/faculty/joeo/sa_analogy.htm

Analogies help us to see how seemingly dissimilar things are similar.

They

increase our understanding of new information.

-Marzano,2001

Graphic Organizers for Analogies

Is to

Relationship

Is to Analogy Formula: _____ : _____ :: _____ : _____

Activities to use with K-3 students:

-write an analogy that compares the color of objects. -write an analogy that compares the way animals move. -write an analogy that compares times of day. -write an analogy that compares numbers. -write an analogy that compares famous Americans.

::

__________

Benjamin Franklin is to inventions as George Washington Carver is to __________________.

pentagon : five :: octagon : ____________

Asia : ___________ :: North America : Canada

Of the nine Marzano strategies, Similarities and Differences has the largest effect size in regards to student achievement.

So what enhances students understanding of and ability to use knowledge?

1. Presenting students with explicit guidance in identifying similarities an differences. 2. Asking students to independently identify similarities and differences. 3. Representing similarities and differences in graphic or symbolic form.
4. Identifying similarities and differences is a highly-robust activity that can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Marzano, 2001

Helpful Websites
http://www.graphic.org/similie.html http://www.how-tostudy.com http://www.classroom.leanderisd.org/webs/marzano
http://www.edhelper.com/teachers/graphic_organizers.htm

http://www.eduplace.com http://www.readingquest.org http://www.enchantedlearning.com/graphicorganizers/ http://marzano.iwcs.k12.va.us http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/EnhancedSandS/

Software
Kidspiration- students use to make their own graphic organizers.
Microsoft Clipart Category Metaphors