Virginia SOL S.3.e

Social Studies3rd Grade

The Standard

comparing and contrasting people, places, and events

Virginia Standards of Learning for History and Social Science

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students identify details that two subjects share and details that differ. They organize those details and support each comparison with evidence from maps, images, timelines, or short texts.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student can complete a Venn diagram with accurate, relevant details. The student can explain one meaningful similarity and one meaningful difference using source evidence.
Common Misconceptions: Students may list unrelated facts instead of comparing the same feature, such as one person's job with another person's birthplace. They may confuse similarities with differences or use opinions instead of evidence.
How to Assess It: Give students short source cards about Jamestown and a Powhatan village. Ask them to write one shared feature and one difference, then underline supporting evidence.

Lesson moves

Place two hoops on the floor, then have students sort picture cards into Jamestown, Powhatan village, or both and defend one choice.
After reading two leader profiles, students write, "Both leaders..., but only...," then share their evidence with a partner.
Play comparison bingo with cards labeled same, different, or both while students respond to paired maps, portraits, and event descriptions.
Students compare the school and a local library by purpose, users, rules, and location, then explain one similarity and one difference.

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A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to S.3.e, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.

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