This article discusses the four forms of identifying similarities and differences: comparing, classifying, creating metaphors, and creating analogies and how these strategies can be used in an elementary classroom.

Students learn how their family meets the needs of the members of that family.

In this assessment students are asked to compare 2-D and 3-D shapes. Students will be given a rectangle and a cube. Students are asked whether the shapes are 2-D or 3-D and whether they are flat or solid. Students will use a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast the attributes of the shapes. An assessment sheet and rubric are provided.

In this assessment task students are asked to use a Venn Diagram to compare 3-D solid shapes. Students are given a cube and a cylinder. They are asked how the shapes are the same and how they are different. Teachers can dictate student responses. An assessment sheet and rubric are provided.

This article discusses the research-based strategy of identifying similarities and differences and provides links to web sites to develop teacher's content knowledge.

The activities in this lesson plan will help students understand the similarities and differences in families and identify attributes in themselves and others.

Inclusion is an important concept in that it promotes equity and equality in the classroom. Students learn to work together despite their differences, capitalizing on their strengths and minimizing their deficits. Students within the school will be educated about the importance of inclusion, collaborating to complete activities and advocating for a school-wide inclusion program that involves all students, teachers and administrators.

This article provides a lesson plan that teaches elementary students to write poems about home using sensory language and imagery. Examples of student work are provided.