Tools+for+Identifying+Similarities+&+Differences

This page contains a variety of tools that can be used for practicing and implementing the strategy of Identifying Similarities and Differences.
The word //gliffy// is an adaptation of the word //glyph//, a symbol or character that imparts information nonverbally. This tool is an online diagramming service that helps users communicate with a combination of shapes, text, and lines. It is a combination flow-chart, brainstorming, and chart creation tool with a social, collaborative aspect.
 * **Gliffy Tutorial** ||
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Bubbl.us is a free online mind-mapping application. It can be used to create a variety of concept maps and comparison charts. Bubbl.us makes it easy for anyone to quickly start planning and organizing ideas through the use of linked text bubbles.

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 * Bubbl.us Tutorial**

Text2Mindmap is a web application that creates a mind map from a list of words. By grouping items under nodes, this tool allows you to classify ideas in groups.
 * **Text2Mindmap Tutorial** ||  ||
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**Additional Tools and Resources **

 * A Touch of Class - interactive activity in which students classify various plants and animals
 * [|Five Senses Organizer for Generating Similes and Metaphors.pdf] See completed example here.
 * [|Leaves, Leaves Worksheet.pdf]- another idea for classifying activity
 * Shape Sorter - interactive Venn diagram for sorting shapes according to different characteristics
 * Compare and Contrast Map- interactive graphic organizer helps students develop an outline for one of three types of comparison essays: whole-to-whole, similarities-to-differences, or point-to-point.
 * Venn Diagram - 2 Circles - allows students to create Venn Diagrams that contain two overlapping circles
 * Venn Diagram - 3 Circles - allows students to create Venn Diagrams that contain three overlapping circles
 * Comparison and Contrast Guide - interactive guide provides an introduction to the basic characteristics and resources that are typically used when students compose comparison and contrast essays. The Organizing a Paper section includes details on whole-to-whole (block), point-by-point, and similarities-to-differences structures.

**Interactive Practice with Analogies **

 * [|Sadler-Oxford Analogies]
 * [|Awesome Analogies Jeopardy 1]
 * [|Awesome Analogies Jeopardy 2]
 * [|Pop-Ups 1] (multiple choice)
 * [|Pop-Ups 2]
 * [|Pop-Ups 3]
 * [|Family Analogies]
 * [|Food Analogies]
 * [|Animal Analogies 1]
 * [|Animal Analogies 2]
 * [|Animal Analogies 3]
 * [|Animal Analogies 4]

Examples of Metaphors

 * Metaphor Examples for Kids
 * Metaphor Examples


 * How to Capture a Screenshot of Your Desktop or Active Window **