by Tina Tocco
We've identified these texts as great options for text pairings based on similar themes, literary devices, topic, or writing style. Supplement your lesson with one or more of these options and challenge students to compare and contrast the texts. To assign a paired text, click on the text to go to its page and click the "Assign Text" button there.
The Selfish Giant
- Oscar Wilde
A selfish giant’s interaction with a special child inspires him to become generous.Pair “The Selfish Giant” with “Why The Sky Is Far Away” and ask students to discuss how both texts explore selfishness. How is the Giant selfish with his garden? How does this compare to humans’ inability to think about the Sky in “Why The Sky Is Far Away”? How are the characters of the two stories disadvantaged by their selfishness?
Diving for Treasure
- JonArno Lawson
In JonArno Lawson’s poem “Diving for Treasure,” a diver explores the ocean.Pair “Diving for Treasure” with “Why The Sky Is Far Away” and ask students to discuss how both texts explore nature’s gifts. What are the gifts and treasures of nature discussed in the two texts? How do the characters respond to these gifts? Do students think there is a right way to treat nature and its gifts?