Download and print Venn Diagram (PDF FORM)

Teaching Tip:
Venn diagrams are favorites for comparing and contrasting story elements. Try using this pattern in a math lesson. For example, show students how to determine the greatest common factor and reduce a fraction.

Teaching Tip for Back to School
Venn diagrams are an excellent resource to use during back-to-school month because they allow a variety of getting-to-know-you comparisons. Introduce your students to this diagram by making a life-size version in your classroom with hula-hoops or yarn. Start off with a descriptive statement such as "I am a boy/I am a girl" and let students identify which hoop they belong in. Then introduce comparisons that will overlap and leave some students out of the circles: "I am a girl and I have brown hair." Once students understand how the organizer works, pass out a paper version of the diagram.

Comparison ideas using Venn diagrams:
About Me: I am an only child. I am the oldest child in my family. I have a brother and a sister. I have been to another country. I have a pet dog/cat/fish.
Food: I like to eat hot dogs/I like to eat pretzels. I like chocolate milk/I like carrots.
Names: My first/last name has more than five letters in it/My first and last names have more than 12 letters in them. My name has more consonants than vowels. More than half of the letters in my name are consonants.
Weather: My favorite season is fall/winter/summer/spring. I heard thunder last night. I like when it snows. Sunny days are the best.

For active classroom participation, create one large Venn diagram and small name cards for each student. Using Velcro or tape, place the name cards in appropriate categories when students raise their hands.