1) The document outlines an activity where students read diary entries from a dog and cat and complete a Venn diagram comparing the two. 2) They then choose whether they prefer dogs or cats and characterize their choice by naming it and describing its looks, actions, words, and thoughts. 3) Finally, students break into dog and cat groups to share their favorite examples from each characterization category. The goal is to help students get to know each other through comparing their preferences.

1. Smart School Start
2014
Academic Mini-Mixer
Dogs and Cats
Estimated time: 20 minutes

2. Academic Goals
Culture Goals
Get kids to know each other’s names
Get kids to know each other’s likes and dislikes
Teachers model appropriate discussion
Students are assessed for Venn Diagramming skills
Students describe character and characterization

3. Step 1:
Photocopy the next two slides back to back

4. The Dog's Diary
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

5. The Cat's Diary
Day 983 of My Captivity
!
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on
fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I
make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to
keep up my strength.
The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt todisgust them, I
once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at
their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my
capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little
hunter" I am.
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary
confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I
overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means,
and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving
around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special
privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously
retarded. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I
am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him
in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now ...

6. Step 2:
Photo copy the next slide
!
Have kids complete a Venn Diagram
on the characters

7. Things
unique to the dog
Things shared
by both
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
Things
unique to the cat

8. Step 3:
Dog and Cat Continuum
!
Have kids complete choose their
preference of dogs or cats on a continuum,
by lining up and choosing where they fall on
the dog of cat continuum.

9. Step 4:
Dog and Cat Characters
!
Have kids pick the dog or cat and characterize them

10. Your pet’s name
Pick a name that reflects their
personality in the example
What does your pet look like?
1.
!
2.
!
3.
What does your pet do?
1.
!
2.
!
3.
Description Action
What does your pet say?
1.
!
2.
!
3.
Dialogue
What does your pet think?
1.
!
2.
!
3.
Interior Monologue
Bonus: what does
the opposite pet think
of your pet?
(in a quote)

11. Step 5:
Dog and Cat Characters
!
Students share in groups of dogs
and cats - each team shares their favorite
single example in each of the 5 categories.
!

12. Smart School Start
2014
Academic Mini-Mixer
Cats and Dogs