#The Real Story of the Three Little Pigs (What Really Happened)

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

English Language Arts

Grade(s)

2

Overview

Students will watch two videos with retellings of the classic story, "The Three Little Pigs." The purpose of the first video is to provide a first telling of the original story of "The Three Little Pigs." The second video, "The Three Little Javelinas," will offer a retelling of the classic story. These videos will provide background information and a basis for the discussion around the comparison and contrast of story elements.

This resource was created in partnership with Dothan City Schools.

Phase

Before/Engage
English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 2

ELA21.2.26

Compare and contrast important details presented by two texts on the same topic or theme.

UP:ELA21.2.26

Vocabulary

  • Compare
  • Contrast
  • Topic
  • Theme

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Compare means tell how things are alike or similar.
  • Contrast means tell how things are different.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Compare and contrast important details after reading two texts that have a common theme or topic.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Texts about the same topic or theme will have similarities and differences.
  • Comparing and contrasting texts with the same topic or theme will improve their overall comprehension of the texts.

Learning Objectives

Students will compare and contrast two versions of the same story.

Activity Details

The student will compare and contrast different versions of the same story by different authors, from different cultures, or from different points of view using two videos and graphic organizers. 

First, students will watch the video The Three Little Pigs and complete the Story Elements Graphic Organizer

Next, students will watch the video The Three Little Javelinas and complete a second Story Elements Graphic Organizer. 

Finally, the students will hold a comparison analysis discussion either in a whole group or in a small group. 

Focus discussion questions on characters and setting, such as:

  • What were some of the similarities you saw between the three pigs and the three Javelinas?
  • What were the similarities between the houses in each story?

Assessment Strategies

Formative assessment: observing the completion of the graphic organizer, responses to questions during the video, and overall understanding of comparing and contrasting based on teacher observation. 

Acceleration

Advanced students can compare and contrast a third version of the classic "The Three Little Pigs," "The Three Wolves and the Big Bad Pig." Create a Three Column comparison chart using the first two versions of the story at the onset. Add the additional information from the third version of the story. 

Intervention

Focus on vocabulary including cognates and word origins using a graphic organizer. Pre-teach tier 1 and 2 academic vocabulary words. (i.e., compare/contract/ characters, setting, plot).

Variation Tips

The teacher can read aloud a hard copy of The Three Little Pigs, rather than using a read aloud video.

 

Background / Preparation

1. Cue the videos to ensure they are working and solve any technical issues ahead of time.

2. Make two copies of the graphic organizer for each student.

2. Look for cognates for EL students to help with difficult phrases or language terms.

Total Duration

16 to 30 Minutes

Materials and Resources

Interactive whiteboard or computer/projector with internet and sound capabilities

Story Elements Graphic Organizer (2 copies per student)

Pencil for each student

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