Paired Texts > On Winning the Coloring Contest in Second Grade

by Anna Hodges

2018

We've identified these texts as great options for text pairings based on similar themes, literary devices, topic, or writing style. Supplement your lesson with one or more of these options and challenge students to compare and contrast the texts. To assign a paired text, click on the text to go to its page and click the "Assign Text" button there.

6th Grade Poem
On Turning Ten
  • Billy Collins
  • 1995

Billy Collins (b. 1941) is an award-winning American poet who writes about everyday occurrences to express the deeper meaning of life. In this poem, the speaker reflects on his youth with longing.

Pair “On Turning Ten” with “On Winning the Coloring Contest in the Second Grade” and ask students to discuss the different ways in which Hodges’ poem is influenced by “On Turning Ten.” How does the structure of “On Winning the Coloring Contest in the Second Grade” resemble “On Turning Ten”? What similar feelings do the speakers in both poems experience? How do both poems address the theme of growing up?

6th Grade Parable 790L
The Selfish Giant
  • Oscar Wilde
  • 1888

A selfish giant’s interaction with a special child inspires him to become generous.

Pair “The Selfish Giant” with “On Winning the Coloring Contest in the Second Grade” and ask students to discuss what it means to be selfish. In what ways is the Giant selfish? Do you think that the speaker in the poem is similarly selfish? Why or why not? How does the Giant feel after letting the children play in his garden? How do you think the speaker would feel if she allowed Brad to have the bike?

6th Grade Short Story 1200L
Raymond’s Run
  • Toni Cade Bambara
  • 1992

In Toni Cade Bambara’s short story “Raymond’s Run,” a young girl participates in a race and is moved when she sees her brother running alongside her.

Pair “Raymond’s Run” with “On Winning the Coloring Contest in the Second Grade” and ask students to discuss how the two texts explore being kind to others. How does Squeaky realize the importance of helping others? How does this compare to the speaker of “On Winning the Coloring Contest in the Second Grade” and how she learns about being selfless?