Hatchet is a classic children's book full of survival and adventure. In this four-week class, learners will participate in meaningful discussions and engaging activities as we read Gary Paulsen's Newbery Medal Award winning novel. Book clubs are an excellent way to engage reluctant readers or help enthusiastic readers dig a little deeper. Students will need their own copy of the text to complete assigned readings before attending class.

Whether your student has never heard of Hatchet or is an enthusiastic fan on their third re-read, this class will be full of fun for all. We will explore the text and it's themes through discussion and a variety of engaging critical thinking activities. Class will be conducted in a casual, book club style with plenty of time for discussion. I will also read aloud important or exciting parts during class to enrich our discussion.

The reading schedule will be as follows:

Lesson 1: chapters 1-4
Discussion and activities will focus on author and setting. We will start class with a discussion of inference. What do you notice about Brian? How does the text tell us about him?

Lesson 2: chapters 5-9
Focus on character development. We will start class with a discussion of flashbacks. What are examples of flashback in this story? How does Paulsen use this narrative device?

Lesson 3: chapters 10-14
Focus on plot and predictions. We will work together to fill out a plot map with what we have read so far. After discussing this section, we will predict what we think will happen next.

Lesson 4: chapters 15-19 (finish book) 
Focus on themes developed through the story: mental health, self-reliance, and gratitude.