Friend Venns

After reading Abby's post about her Venn Diagrams I thought I'd share how my kiddos make their Friend Venns. 
First, each pair of children start out with a rough draft sheet.  They sit together and brainstorm ideas.  This usually takes a little while-- especially depending on the pairing.  Sometimes when children are too similiar it's hard for them to complete this part.  As they are working, I walk around the room and take a picture of each pair and write their names at the top of their Venn (just to make them a little cuter).  After a little teacher proof reading, they are allowed to start on the body.

I've done the Venns two different ways.  For several years I used a round head shape (made from tracing a large plastic plate).  I  like these, and they always turn out pretty cute. 

A friend on my team came up with the idea for a diamond shaped Venn.  I think they are super cute and allow for a little more personalizing.  They are a little more work to prepare, but so worth it-- especially for Open House later in February.

The children write their information on the Venn first.  Then, they start adding details.  I give them strips for the arms and legs.  They are allowed to add hair, shoes, bows, etc (one year I had children adding things like tennis rackets and baseballs in their hands).  Whatever floats their little boats!  These are so cute displayed on a bulletin board alongside the picture of each pair.  I wish I had more examples but we aren't doing this project until Friday- the picture above is from last year. 

I did the best I could to share a pattern with you.  It is too big to get the whole thing on a piece of paper. You should be able to print both pages and then tape them together to create a pattern.  Click {here} to get the pattern.  The shape really doesn't take too long to cut out.  I like to trace the writing lines in pencil for my kids, just to keep their work a little neater.  Best part is you'll only need one page per two children.