Where the Red Fern Grows Chapter 1-10 comprehension check

What is a theme? Discuss what you know about theme with your partner A few ideas….

Theme The main idea Common thread or repeated idea demonstrated throughout Author’s message about a topic A lesson or piece of advice that the author wants the reader to know Helps shape the character and plot of the story

How can we find the theme? What are some important topics in the novel or reoccurring events (or character traits) that we see? Brainstorm:

Next step in finding theme… Using our books, let’s find some examples of these reoccurring events, or events that relate to the topic.

Finally, analyze and conclude Analyze (look carefully, think deeply) about the examples we found. What message is the author trying to tell us? Our conclusion:

Themes we have seen so far in the novel:

Your turn You are going to do an activity regarding Where the Red Fern Grows chapters 1 through 20. This will allow you to: Demonstrate comprehension Make connections to your life Think deeper and learn more about the novel Be creative!!

Theme related options: 1 – Theme: faith and spirituality You will answer the following questions in a paragraph: What does faith mean to you? What are examples (events) that discuss Billy’s faith? Is your faith similar or different to Billy’s and why? Make sure you give specific examples from the book and refer to the chapter it takes place in.

Theme related options: 2- Loyalty You will write a paragraph answering the following questions: Why might loyalty be a character trait AND a theme of this novel? Where and how do we see this show up in chapters 1-10? Give specific examples (at least two) and tell me what chapter it is found in. Also, you need to explain how this shows loyalty.

Theme related options: 3- Perseverance You will write a paragraph answering the following questions: Why might perseverance be a character trait AND a theme of this novel? Where and how do we see this show up in chapters 1-10? Give specific examples (at least two) and tell me what chapter it is found in. Also, you need to explain how this shows perseverance.

Second Activity (pick one of any of the following…) 1- Drawing What is the setting of a novel? Describe in a sentence. Pick two important settings in the book and illustrate each. Explain why these are important settings in a few sentences.

Second Activity (pick one of any of the following…) 2- Paragraph/drawing Write a short paragraph describing: Would you like to live in a cabin in the Ozark Mountains like Billy? Why or why not? Draw a picture of what it might look like.

Second Activity (pick one of any of the following…) 3- Paragraph Write a paragraph addressing the following questions: Why is the campsite (chapter 3 and others) important in the story? How does it affect the plot of the story (in other words, how would the story be different without it?!)?

Second Activity (pick one of any of the following…) 4- Letter Write a letter to me addressing the following questions: How does Billy’s family influence him? How does your family influence you?

Second Activity (pick one of any of the following…) 5- Comic strip Draw a comic strip displaying the first coon that Billy hunted. Make sure you include important aspects of this hunt (spans a few chapters).

Second Activity (pick one of any of the following…) 6-Comic strip Draw a comic strip to show and retell what happened to Billy when he was in town getting his puppies. Make sure you show how the boys treated him.

Second Activity (pick one of any of the following…) 7- Research- setting Read the information I printed about the setting and time period. Write a key word outline to show important facts that you learned.

Second Activity (pick one of any of the following…) 8-Research- author Read the article about Wilson Rawls (the author). Write a key word outline to show important facts that you learned.

Second Activity (pick one of any of the following…) 9- Creative writing Choose an important scene from the novel and rewrite from a different character’s perspective (not Billy’s!!).

Second Activity (pick one of any of the following…) 10- Scavenger hunt Look throughout chapters 1-10 and write down the different events that take place in Grandpa’s store. Then, write a few sentences to answer the following questions: How do these events influence Billy? Why is this an important setting?

Two activities One will be about the theme of the novel The other you get to choose from a long list of ideas!  Both activities will be due Tuesday You will have work time today, perhaps a little on Monday, and will present in small groups on Tuesday.

Work time! Choose ONE theme related question to answer & Choose ONE of the “Second Activity” options Make sure you read the entire activity and all questions carefully. Make sure your response is complete! Take your time and do your best! 