• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Stay Connected

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Having Fun First

Helping you to creatively reach all your unique learners

Subscribe

  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Shop
    • Shop Website
    • Teachers Pay Teachers
    • Amazon Storefront
  • FREEBIE
  • Curriculum
  • Contact

on May 25, 2022 · Leave a Comment

Compare and Contrast Reading Passages from Fairy Tales

As the school year comes to an end, you might be thinking of having your students show off what they have learned throughout the year. That got me thinking that I should do some spiral learning activities with narratives that would allow my students to expand their knowledge and improve their skills. I thought it would be fun to compare and contrast reading passages from classic fairy tales while reviewing the reading comprehension skills we’ve covered throughout the year. So I’m sharing with you a week’s worth of activities with 5 different stories to compare and contrast plus extension activities, crafts, and a freebie!

compare and contrast reading passages from these fractured fairy tales

Every year I like to provide multiple opportunities for narrative reading and writing explorations both personal and imaginary. My students always go crazy over my spooky Halloween narratives and gingerbread narratives so I thought I would incorporate another opportunity to get those creative juices flowing by comparing and contrasting classic and fractured fairy tales.

Similar to my other narrative writing units, I encourage giving students the opportunity to view a variety of narrative texts. There are such a plethora of classic and fractured fairy tales out there making it almost hard to choose! I’m not sure if you’ve read many classic tales lately, but oh boy they can get a little dark. Therefore, I decided to write my own retellings of the classic tales as close to the original structure as I could without some of the darker details.

In this unit, students have the opportunity to explore both my printable passages and the selected fractured fairy tale texts! With this narrative unit we will be looking even closer at the literature, comparing and contrasting as well as story mapping, summarizing, and many other spiraling reading comprehension skills we have covered in previous guided reading units. Each story also has a fun craft and other extension activities included.

compare and contrast reading passages fairy tale bundle

5 Fractured Fairy Tale Texts for Compare and Contrast

The five fractured fairy tale texts I have chosen to compare to my printable classic fairy tale passages are:

1. The Princess and The Pizza

(Comparing to The Princess and The Pea)
This is a fun twist on the classic tale. The King decided to quit his royal position and took up woodcarving, which left the princess missing her royal luxuries. She decided to take matters into her own hands trying to win the prince who is looking for a bride. While on this adventure she realizes something she wants for herself beyond a royal lifestyle.

The Princess and the Pea compare and contrast reading passages

2. Little Red

(Comparing to the Little Red Riding Hood)
This is a fractured fairy tale that highlights girl power and bravery. The author Bethan Woolvin has a great series of books that have funny bold twists on these classic tales. Little Red won’t be fooled by a giant wolf in a horrible disguise in this retelling.

Little Red Riding Hood compare and contrast reading passages

3. Rapunzel

This version of Rapunzel is another great fractured fairy tale that highlights girl power and bravery. I really enjoy Bethan Woolvin’s books. In this retelling, Rapunzel won’t give in to her kidnapper’s threats and takes matters into her own hands. The other evil witches better watch out!

Rapunzel compare and contrast reading passages

4. Hansel & Gretel

The author Bethan Woolvin has a great series of books that have funny bold twists on classic tales. In this retelling of Hansel & Gretel the poor, sweet witch, “Willow,” is taken advantage of and disrespected by Hansel and Gretel. Willow shows patience for the two spoiled children over and over until she cannot take it any longer.

hansel and gretel compare and contrast reading passages

5. The True Story of The 3 Little Pigs

(Comparing to The Three Little Pigs)
This is a classic fractured fairy tale that is sure to be a great addition to your classroom library. I remember when I got this book as a child way back in 1989 ha, and I absolutely loved it then and still do. This text lends wonderfully to comparing narrators and points of view. Alexander T. Wolf shares his perspective on what happened with the 3 little pigs. Your students will love it.

3 Little Pigs compare and contrast reading passages

More Fairy Tale Books

If you are thinking of taking this compare and contrast unit deeper (possibly into a narrative writing unit) I suggest having even more books on hand that offer different retellings of the tales. I have quite a collection, but if you are looking for suggestions for more books to add to your library here are a few of my favorites that I didn’t use for these reading comprehension units. I know that your kids will love exploring these different versions of these classic tales.

  • Red Riding Hood By James Marshall
  • Little Red Riding Hood By Mara Alperin
  • Ninja Red Riding Hood By Corey Rosen Schwartz
  • The Three Little Pigs By James Marshall
  • The Three Little Pigs By Mara Alperin
  • The Three Ninja Pigs By Corey Rosen Schwartz
  • No Lie, Pigs, and Their Houses Can Fly By Jessica Gunderson
  • Hansel and Gretel By James Marshall
  • Hansel and Gretel Ninja Chicks By Corey Rosen Schwartz
  • Trust Me, Hansel and Gretel are Sweet By Nancy Loewen
  • Really Rapunzel Needed a Haircut By Jessica Gunderson
  • Rapunzel By Rachel Isadora
  • The Princess and The Pea By Rachel Isadora
  • Believe Me, I Never Felt a Pea By Nancy Loewen

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Compare and Contrast Reading Passages FREEBIE

You and I both know that many of our students can compare and contrast simple things. Though that practice is a good warm-up for the concepts in this unit, the goal when comparing and contrasting at this level is to help students make deeper connections and discoveries when looking at various texts. We want students to expand beyond the obvious, shedding light on subtle differences or unexpected similarities within the text.

If you want to take a peek into one of this week’s units, I have created a free compare and contrast worksheet featuring a printable reading passage along with a compare and contrast graphic organizer and poster. You can compare my version of the classic tale with any fractured version of your choosing to help practice this important concept of comparing and contrasting.

compare and contrast reading passages with free graphic organizer

Here is a great resource with everything you need to plan a Narrative Writing Unit to go all the way with these fairy tale activities. This unit includes graphic organizers, rubrics, and more!

And be sure to check out these other blog posts about narrative writing:

  • Halloween Narrative Writing Guaranteed to Inspire Young Writers
  • Learn How to Inspire Reluctant Writers Through Gingerbread Man Activities
Kacie Brown Having Fun First signature

Filed Under: Curriculum, FREEBIE Tagged With: compare and contrast, end of the year, fairy tales, Guided Reading with a Purpose

Previous Post: « Space Reading Comprehension Activities
Next Post: Dinosaur Reading Comprehension »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Stay Connected

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Shop the Site

Visit the Shop


Shop Featured Materials + Resources

Shop Amazon

Subscribe

Sign up to gain access to valuable free resources, encouraging tips and sale alerts.

Find it Fast

Read by Category

Popular Posts

Resources for Planning a Beach Field Trip
How To Teach Summarizing
Writing A Letter Worksheets, Mentor Texts, & Activities
Buzzing with Excitement for Insects Reading Comprehension & Author’s Purpose Activities

Grab My Button

Grab My Button

Subscribe

Sign up to gain access to valuable free resources, encouraging tips and sale alerts.

Footer

Latest on Facebook

Latest on Instagram

Brown’s work vs. mine this week. Mason had Flu A Brown’s work vs. mine this week. Mason had Flu A and Wyatt had a horrible spell of migraines this week. 😣 I may need a vacation 😆 Luckily the boys were super sweet and thankfuk for super mom. Ha. I guess Dave did some stuff too. 💪 👨‍🚒
This anti-bullying and kindness-themed reading com This anti-bullying and kindness-themed reading comprehension and writing bundle is designed to help students analyze morals and lessons in stories while reinforcing essential comprehension strategies. Through six different mentor texts, students will explore sequencing, text connections, asking and answering questions, story elements, character analysis, problem and solution, and more. Perfect for social-emotional learning, kindness, and anti-bullying lessons!

Books included in this bundle are:
- “The Proudest Blue”
- “Each Kindness”
- “Bully Beans”
- “Weird”, “Dare”, “Tough” (3 Book Bundle)

What’s included:
- A unique craft
- Writing prompts
- Graphic organizers
- Story element posters
- Anchor chart headers
- Focused worksheets to deepen comprehension
- Book talk questions
- Parent connection materials
- Morning work or fast finisher activities
- Mini lessons
- Lesson plan ideas and more!

✨✨CLICK the Link in Bio to get this amazing bundle!✨✨ OR COMMENT “KINDNESS” and I’ll send you the link!✨✨ 

#AntiBullying #KindnessMatters #SocialEmotionalLearning #ReadingComprehension #BookCompanion #GuidedReading #CharacterAnalysis #TeacherResources #TpTResources #LiteracyActivities #SELActivities #TeacherLife
Spread kindness in your classroom with this FREE k Spread kindness in your classroom with this FREE kindness activity! This resource includes a fun coloring sheet and a word search featuring words of compassion and inspiring quotes about being kind. Perfect for promoting social-emotional learning and building a positive classroom environment. 

✨✨CLICK the Link in Bio to download this FREE Kindness Activity!✨✨ OR COMMENT "KINDNESS" and I’ll send you the link!✨✨ 

#KindnessMatters #FreeClassroomActivity #SELresources #CompassionInClassroom #TeacherFreebies #KindnessActivities #TeachersOfInstagram #TpTFreebies #PositiveClassroom #SocialEmotionalLearning
Wyatt and I scored a day together while Mason is a Wyatt and I scored a day together while Mason is at University of Toledo Honor Band. Bonus we discovered a yummy coffee shop! @siptoledo
Teach your students about kindness, empathy, and i Teach your students about kindness, empathy, and inclusion with this engaging reading comprehension and writing unit for *Each Kindness* by Jacqueline Woodson. This guided reading unit focuses on anti-bullying, kindness, and social-emotional learning, featuring over 15 comprehension strategies with an emphasis on lessons and morals. The interactive ripple effect craft helps reinforce these important messages in a fun and meaningful way. Perfect for small or whole group instruction, this unit is ideal for Anti-Bullying Month, Unity Day, and daily social skills practice.

This comprehensive book companion unit includes:
- A unique craft
- Writing prompts
- Graphic organizers
- Story element posters
- Anchor chart headers
- Focused worksheets to deepen understanding of the story elements
- Book talk questions
- Parent connection materials
- Morning work or fast finisher activities
- Mini-lessons
- Lesson plan ideas and more!

Comprehension skills covered:
➙ Schema 
➙ Making Predictions 
➙ Text Evidence 
➙ Character, Setting, Plot 
➙ Retell 
➙ Author's Purpose 
➙ Character Analysis 
➙ Lesson & Moral 
➙ Text Connections 
➙ Key Events 
➙ Problem and Solution 

✨✨CLICK the Link in Bio to get this anti-bullying & kindness resource!✨✨ OR COMMENT “ANTI BULLYING” and I’ll send you the link!✨✨

#AntiBullying #KindnessMatters #SocialEmotionalLearning #TeachersOfInstagram #TpTResources #CharacterEducation #ReadingComprehension #TeacherLife #SocialSkills #Empathy #Inclusion #LiteracyActivities #LiteracyResources
Dive into this Antarctic penguin-themed reading co Dive into this Antarctic penguin-themed reading comprehension and writing bundle! This engaging unit includes 5 nonfiction passages that focus on text features like glossaries, bold print words, and more. It’s perfect for practicing nonfiction reading strategies such as identifying the main idea, finding text evidence, asking and answering questions, and activating schema.

Each passage is packed with helpful text features, including:
- Diagrams
- Labels
- Captions
- Glossary
- Index
- Table of contents

Topics covered include:
- Appearance
- Food
- Habitat
- Life cycle
- Predators
- Special adaptations
- Interesting facts

The bundle also includes:
- Nonfiction reader for each animal
- A unique craft
- Writing prompts
- Graphic organizers
- Story element posters
- Anchor chart headers
- Focused worksheets to deepen comprehension
- Book talk questions
- Parent connection materials
- Lesson plan ideas and more!

This easy-to-implement, penguin-themed unit will make learning fun and memorable. It’s perfect for guided reading groups and will help your students develop key nonfiction reading skills! 🐧

✨✨CLICK the Link in Bio to grab your penguin reading bundle!✨✨ OR COMMENT "PENGUINS" and I’ll send you the link!✨✨

#PenguinThemed #NonfictionReading #ReadingComprehension #GuidedReading #TextFeatures #TeacherResources #PenguinFun #LiteracyActivities #TpTResources #TeachingWithPenguins #TeacherLife

Stay Connected

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Latest on Pinterest

Copyright © 2025 · BRANDING + WEBSITE DESIGN BY LAUGH EAT LEARN