Comparing Living and Nonliving Things

Comparing Living and Nonliving Things

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- compare living and non-living things 
  through the use of a Venn Diagram

- the Venn Diagram can be modified       
  depending on the age/ability of the children

 

Activity

- a brainstorming session is an effective 

  way to begin this activity 

- using chart paper, have the students 

  think of characteristics of living and non-living things

- older children may only need a couple 

   ideas and then they can independently complete their 
                                                   comparisons

                                                 - younger children can use two hula hoops to 
                                                   organize each point 

- teach how Venn Diagram organize (in 

  this case) two things are different in the 

  two separate circles and how they are 

  the same where the two circles overlap

Follow-Up

- use picture cues to go with each category 

  for pre-readers (this is great for small 

  groups)

- technology can be used to complete the 
  Venn Diagram (the app/program will need 
  to be accessible and understood)

More great comparison activities can be found at these links!

Urban and Rural Communities

Music Comparisons

Music Comparison

Music Comparisons

Music Comparisons

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- almost any kind of music that you or the 
  students choose can be compared

- compare types with or without lyrics  

Materials

- a variety of music 

- possibly the need for devices if music is on a tablet, 
  computer, speakers etc.

- enough room for movement if you intend to let the students respond by moving to the 
  music

- a variety of music (within two genres) and branch out from there
- examples - classical, country and western, rock, rap, jazz, blues, big band, traditional 
  children's music

Activity

- provide opportunities for the children to select music to sing/dance to and perform in 
  the classroom or at a school assembly- use technology as a tool to let them perform (older 
  children can produce and star in a musical video)
- younger children can record each other 

Extention 

- branch out and have them compose their own songs, perform, create a band with 

  a name etc.

- they can include musical instruments (manufactured or homemade) and produce their 

  own videos

- study Peter And The Wolf and compare the different instruments used

- there is an animated version that effectively tells a story highlighted with musical 

  instruments - an excellent resource

- related link 

More great comparison activities can be found at theses links!

Living and Nonliving Things
Urban and Rural Communities

Be creative! Check out Handmade Musical Instruments

Comparing Urban and Rural Communities

Rural

Urban

COMPARING 

URBAN AND RURAL COMMUNITIES

This activity uses Aesop's fable "The City Mouse and the Country Mouse" as a springboard for learning about urban and rural communities. Students will compare the two communities through discussion and organizing ideas

Introduction

• Read a version of Aesop’s Fable “City Mouse and Country Mouse". Make sure the students understand the story by discussing the story, prompting them, and asking questions when necessary. Introduce students to the terms “urban" and “rural." Ask students to identify the community they live in and ask if they have ever been to the other community. 

Discussion of the Story

Draw a T-chart on the board, and ask students to think about the differences they have noticed between the city and the country. Add each idea to the corresponding column of the chart. If they run out of ideas, prompt them with questions like “Where would you most likely see shopping malls – in the city or in the country?" or “Where would you see tractors?" 

Activity

• For older students, list two or three examples on each column of the chart and have them complete the chart independently or in pairs. 
• Have younger or older students draw a picture of an area that is either urban (city), or rural (country). They can show off their drawings to the class and talk about why certain items are in the picture. 

• Extension
• Introduce students to the term “suburban" and add it to the comparison.

Compare country music to another type of modern music. Different singers and types of dance can also be investigated. 

More great comparison activities can be found at theses links!

Living and Nonliving Things

Music Comparisons