Legends Reading Passages & Art: Compare and Contrast Stories in the Same Genre

Compare and contrast legends inspired by the arts! Kids read stories in the same genre, as well as factual reading passages. They analyze elements of each, compare, and determine how literature and art can alter perception.

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Reading Passages

• Legends are unverified stories widely believed as historical. In this activity, students read two legends initiated by the arts, as well as factual reading passages.
• Antonio Canova was a famous Italian sculptor. After his death, a young artist painted The Child Canova Modeling a Lion Out of Butter. While the event never happened, it produced a legend.
• George Washington was the first president of the Unite States. After his death, a biographer included the now-famous account of young George and his hatchet. Although this event probably didn’t occur, it gained popularity. Then, when a story about George’s hatchet was included in widely-used reading textbooks, it spread even more. An artist also painted this event; however, its title and content clearly indicate that it was made up.

Suggested Activities

1. Read “Antonio Canova.” The first three pages tell the legend; the fourth provides historical background information. Complete the worksheet to analyze elements.
2. “George Washington.” The first two pages tell the legend; the third provides historical background information. Complete the worksheet to analyze elements.
3. Use the tables completed in the first two sessions to compare and contrast stories in the same genre on a Venn diagram. If desired, write a compare-contrast essay.
4. Consider how biographies, literature, and art can alter the perception of a person’s life. Explain why it’s important to use multiple sources when researching.

Enjoy teaching!

Brenda Kovich