Focusing Activity to begin novel: Hatchet by Paulsen

Students will visualize how Brian Robeson will feel when he crash lands on the deserted island at the beginning of the novel, Hatchet. This whole class period will be spent using prior knowledge of survival skills.

A lesson plan for grade 6 English Language Arts

By Robin Simmons

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Learning outcomes

Students will visualize their own feelings and needs in the event they should become stranded. This will help them identify and be more sympathetic with the main character, Brian Robeson, as the first few chapters of the book deal with his struggle to survive the first three days.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

1 Hours

Materials/resources

Journal, Drawing Paper, Crayons, Novel

Technology resources

None.

Pre-activities

None.

Activities

1. Teacher asks students to respond in journals as follows:
   
   • If you were stranded on a deserted island, list at least 5 items you would need to survive. (5 minutes)Draw a dividing line under this response.
   • Explain the first thing (literally) you would do upon being stranded on this deserted island. Keep in mind you are completely alone. (5 minutes)Draw a dividing line under this response.
   • Brainstorm adjectives - describe how you feel after being stranded on this deserted island. (5 minutes)
2. In your Think-Pair-Share Groups, discuss your responses to the above questions. In your pairs, decide which three things you would do first after landing on the island. Have some pairs share with the class their plan of action. (10 minutes)
3. Now combine with another group. Discuss the first question in depth - Survival Items. Make a list of five items only that you would like to have with you. Remember these items must be able to fit into your pockets or on your person as you were not prepared for the crash landing onto the island. While the group is deciding, prepare a free-form map with drawing paper and crayons, illustrating your choices. (10 minutes)
4. Presentation to class and teacher input. (see assessment)
5. Teacher is now ready to tie in the story of Brian Robeson and his plight, stranded on a deserted island with little or no survival skills. You can also mention that students are preparing for survival when they pack an overnight bag to stay at a friend’s house (they only pack what they need and what they can survive with until they get back home - although this is certainly not a life threatening situation).(10 minutes)

Assessment

Have a group spokesperson present the free-form maps to the class as they explain their choices. Teacher discuss each chart when they are finished for validity. (15 minutes)

Supplemental information

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