Young Explorers Book Club: 'Hatchet" Edition
Welcome to my Hatchet Book Camp, where young adventurers will embark on a literary journey into the wilderness, exploring the gripping tale of survival, courage, and resilience in Gary Paulsen's iconic novel, 'Hatchet.'"
Mrs. Durant, BA-Elem. Ed, Star Educator
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(19)
What's included
10 live meetings
6 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. There could possible be some reading and/or writing to be done after class to share in the next class.Assessment
informal assessmentClass Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Intermediate Level
Welcome to my "Hatchet" Book Camp!! In this engaging class, students will delve into Gary Paulsen's riveting tale of survival, 'Hatchet,' focusing on enhancing comprehension, critical thinking, and understanding literary elements. Each session will involve in-depth reading sessions and thoughtful responses, fostering an environment where readers can explore the wilderness of the text, developing both a love for literature and essential analytical skills. Join us for an interactive literary journey where we unpack the story's layers, discuss character motivations, and unravel the intricacies of this classic adventure. Enrich your child's reading experience and cultivate a deeper appreciation for literature in this exciting "Hatchet" Book Club! In this 5 week course, we will meet to read together and discuss the book. We will meet twice a week to enjoy this adventure. Each meeting will follow this schedule: 5 minutes - Review previous reading 20 minutes- Reading together and discussing During this class students will participate in interactive lessons on Nearpod. Vocabulary, comprehension and critical thinking questions. 15 minutes - activity or writing prompt Week 1 - Chapters 1-4 Week 2 - Chapters 5-8 Week 3 - Chapters 9-12 Week 4 - Chapters 13-16 Week 5 - Chapters 17-19
Learning Goals
1. **Comprehensive Understanding:** Develop a thorough understanding of the plot, characters, and themes in Gary Paulsen's "Hatchet," encouraging students to articulate their interpretations and perspectives.
2. **Critical Thinking Skills:** Foster critical thinking by analyzing character motivations, plot developments, and the consequences of Brian's decisions, promoting thoughtful discussions and reflections.
3. **Literary Elements Exploration:** Identify and explore key literary elements such as symbolism, foreshadowing, and characterization, enhancing students' ability to recognize and analyze these elements in literature.
4. **In-Depth Discussions:** Facilitate engaging group discussions to encourage students to express their ideas, respond to others' insights, and build upon each other's interpretations of the text.
5. **Vocabulary Enhancement:** Expand students' vocabulary by introducing and discussing challenging words and phrases encountered in "Hatchet," enhancing their language skills and comprehension.
6. **Analytical Writing:** Develop students' analytical writing skills by guiding them through the process of crafting thoughtful responses, or reflections on different aspects of the novel.
7. **Connection to Real-world Skills:** Draw connections between the events in "Hatchet" and real-world survival skills, fostering an appreciation for practical knowledge and demonstrating the relevance of literature to everyday life.
8. **Character Empathy:** Encourage students to empathize with the characters in "Hatchet," understanding their emotions, motivations, and challenges, and relate these insights to their own experiences.
9. **Creative Expression:** Provide opportunities for creative expression through activities such as writing prompts, or art projects allowing students to express their understanding of the novel in diverse ways.
By the end of this four-week "Hatchet" class, students will not only have a deepened appreciation for literature but will also have honed their critical thinking, analytical, and expressive skills through engaging discussions and activities related to this classic survival story.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)10 Lessons
over 5 WeeksLesson 1:
Week 1 - Chapters 1-4
We will read and discuss chapters 1-4 of the book 'Hatchet' by Gary Paulsen, focusing on comprehension, critical thinking, and understanding literary elements. 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Week 1 - Chapters 1-4
We will read and discuss chapters 1-4 of the book 'Hatchet' by Gary Paulsen, focusing on comprehension, critical thinking, and understanding literary elements. 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Week 2 - Chapters 5-8
We will read and discuss chapters 5-8 of the book 'Hatchet' by Gary Paulsen, focusing on comprehension, critical thinking, and understanding literary elements. 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Week 2 - Chapters 5-8
We will read and discuss chapters 5-8 of the book 'Hatchet' by Gary Paulsen, focusing on comprehension, critical thinking, and understanding literary elements. 40 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
"Hatchet" by Gary Paulsen is a widely acclaimed novel, but it does contain certain elements that parents might want to be aware of, especially if their child is reading the book independently or as part of a school curriculum. Here are some potential parental warnings for "Hatchet":
1. **Survival Themes:** The central theme of the book revolves around survival in the wilderness after a plane crash. The protagonist, Brian, faces various challenges, including injuries, hunger, and encounters with wildlife.
2. **Emotional Impact:** The story may evoke strong emotions, including fear, anxiety, and sadness, as Brian grapples with the harsh realities of survival and the trauma of the plane crash.
3. **Isolation and Loneliness:** Brian is isolated in the wilderness for an extended period, and the narrative explores feelings of loneliness and isolation, which may impact sensitive readers.
4. **Descriptive Nature Scenes:** The book includes vivid descriptions of the natural environment, including scenes of hunting and survival. Parents may want to assess whether these descriptions are suitable for their child's sensitivity level.
5. **Mature Themes:** While "Hatchet" is generally considered suitable for middle-grade readers, parents should be aware that it includes mature themes related to survival, self-reliance, and the harshness of nature.
6. **Discussion of Divorce:** Brian's parents are separated, and there are brief discussions about the reasons for their divorce. Parents may want to be prepared to discuss these themes with their child if they find it relevant.
7. **Realistic Portrayal of Struggle:** The book realistically portrays the physical and emotional struggles of surviving in the wild, which may be intense for some readers.
8. **Use of Mild Language:** The book includes some mild language, such as when Brian expresses frustration or fear. Parents may want to be aware of the language used in the book.
Supply List
Learners will need a copy of the book Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined June, 2023
4.9
19reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Teaching Certificates
New Mexico Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Nevada Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
With two decades of dedicated experience, I am a highly qualified K-12 teacher passionate about fostering academic growth and a love for learning. My extensive career demonstrates a deep understanding of diverse teaching methods, curriculum development, and classroom management. I tailor my instructional approaches to meet the unique needs of students across all grade levels, consistently creating engaging and inclusive learning environments that promote student success and a positive educational community.Reviews
Live Group Course
$26
weekly or $130 for 10 classes2x per week, 5 weeks
40 min
Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-13
1-8 learners per class
