Hatchet
4th Grade Lesson
Plan
Natalie Darrington
Washington Elementary
St. George, Utah
Utah Core Curriculum:
4th grade Language Arts Standard
1: Students use prior knowledge to make predictions, comprehend new information,
and construct meaning. Language Arts Standard 2: Students comprehend and critically
evaluate text as they read for different purposes. Language Arts Standard
3: Students use a variety of cueing systems to determine word pronunciation,
meaning, and language study. Language Arts Standard 4: Students develop independence
in reading. Language Arts Standard 8: Students, teachers, and parents write
and respond together. Language Arts Standard 9: Students develop oral language
to communicate effectively for various purposes and audiences.
Over View:
This lesson plan teaches
reading with the text Hatchet by Gary Paulsen.
Students may read the text on
their own, with the class, in small groups or partners, depending on the needs
of your students. The book may also be presented in a teacher read format
and students may work at their own pace on the projects. The unit takes place
over a 10 day period. Students need to acquire 150 points. 20 points are to
be acquired on the Near Mastery level, and 20 points a Mastery level. Students
are given 60 points for just finishing the book and response/ discussion log.
HATCHET
PART MASTERY (110 pts)
You are required to read a book. This is worth 60 Points. After you are finished discuss the book with your teacher. You will need to keep a Reading Response Journal (see reading response journal questions). Each response needs to be at least 3 sentences long. You will also need to participate in the classroom discussions.
Your Choice- Look at the options
below and decide which of them you will complete for a maximum of 50 points.
Depending on which ones you choose you will need to complete 1 assignment
a day to complete the unit on time. Full credit is based upon work that shows
effort, creativity, and that learning that has taken place.
Make a colored illustration
to go along with the book. Use art paper. Do your best work. (10 pts)
Choose five unfamiliar or interesting
words from the book. Look up the definitions and write them in your own words.
Learn the definitions. The teacher will ask you to define each word orally
(2 pts each)
Write a poem that relates to
Brian's adventure. The poem must be at least 10 lines long, and follow the
pattern of your choice. (15 points)
Create a 5 box cartoon strip
for Hatchet. Cartoon strips must include pictures and caption boxes. (10 pts)
Construct a time line, with
at least 5 colored pictures, of the events of the book. Make the time line at
least 3 feet long, and include at least 10 events with pictures for at least 5.
(15 pts)
Use a familiar song tune and
rewrite the lyrics to follow Brian's plan of survival. Song must last for
at least 30 second and be performed in front of the class, or recorded on
a tape.(15 pts)
Act out a favorite scene from
the story. You must speak clearly and show by your actions, facial expressions,
and words what was going on in the scene. (10 pts)
Create a Venn diagram for
Brian and a main character from another book you have read this year. Include at
least 15 comparisons. (10 pts)
Bring 5 items to class that
you think Brian could have used. Present the items to the class and explain
why you choose them. Participate in the Socratic seminar. You must make at
least 3 comments, ask 3 questions, and answer 3 questions. (20 pts)
NEAR MASTERY (130 pts) - Choose one of the following for 20
points.
Create a diorama illustrating
the story’s main problem and the solution. Put a lot of work into this. Include
a paragraph explaining the scene in the diorama. Put it together with more
than just drawings on paper. (20 pts)
Write a poem about Brian. The
poem must be at least ten lines long. Make sure to follow a poetry pattern.
Display it on a poster in the school or classroom. (20 pts)
Make a diary that the Brian
might have kept expressing his thoughts throughout the novel. Include at least
6 entries. Use complete sentences, and thoughts. Each entry needs to be at
least five sentences long. (20 pts)
Write your opinions of the
story, 75-100 words (about half of a page.) Use correct spelling and grammar.
(20 pts)
Change
or add to the ending. The new ending needs to be a realistic end to the story.
It needs to be at least 70 words long, and use correct spelling and grammar.
(20 pts)
Research
2 of the 5 options on the inter net and presents your findings to the class.
1) heart attacks, 2) small airplanes, 3) amphibious planes, 4) the north woods
of Canada, 5) Gary Paulson. You need to have a picture and at least 5 facts
about each topic. (20 pts)
Mini
Reports - Brian refers to many different plants and animals that you may not
be familiar with. Pick a plant or animal and research it. Find a picture of
the plant or animal and write a short paragraph (5 sentences) to go with it.
You need to use proper form, and correct spelling and grammar.
MASTERY - Choose one of the following activities (150 pts)
Make a board or card game that
illustrates the plot of the novel. The game has to be playable. You need to
have a list of the rules that are easy to read. Take some time and make your
board game pleasing to look at. You will be given points for the presentation,
and playability of the game.
Read about Gary Paulsen and
write a one page biography about him. Use correct format for a biography.
It needs to be typed. You need to use correct spelling and grammar. Write
what the moral of the story is. This must be typed ant at least 100 words
long. Use correct spelling and grammar.
Give the class an oral book
report. Include the moral of the story, information about the author, what
you liked about it, a visual prop (like a poster, or costume), and be prepared
to answer questions from the class.
Imagine that you are Brian.
You have been asked to write a short article for People magazine about his
ordeal. As Brian complete the article including pictures and captions. It
needs to be at least one page typed. Use correct spelling and grammar.
_____________________________________________________________________
You must remember to have the
teacher check off each assignment as you do them. Do not lose your record
sheet.
Reading Response Journal
Topics
Chapter 1: What would you do
if you were Brian? How would you feel?
Chapter 2: Describe what Brian
is feeling as he tries to get in touch with someone by radio?
Chapter 3: What is the color
that came?
Chapter 4: Why does Brian think
that he is unlucky?
Chapter 5: Why is Brian
fighting panic?
Chapter 6: How would you have
found shelter if you were Brian?
Chapter 7: Why is Brian overcome
with self-pity?
Chapter 8: Why does Brian have
the dream?
Chapter 9: Why does Brian call
fire his friend?
Chapter 10: Why is hope important
to Brian?
Chapter 11: Why does Brian
keep saying “There were these things to do”?
Chapter 12: Explain Brian’s
feeling right now.
Chapter 13: How is the new
Brian different from the old Brian?
Chapter 14: How does Brian
learn from his mistakes?
Chapter 15: Why does meat taste
so good?
Chapter 16: Why is it important
for Brian to be tough in the head?
Chapter 17: Why is Brian trying
so hard to get into the plane?
Chapter 18: Why is the Hatchet
so important?
Chapter 19: Why does Brian
react to the bush pilot the way he does?
Epilogue: How does Brian's
experience change his life even after he is rescued?
_______________________________________________________________________
Hatchet Reading Record
Name: __________________
Title: __________________
Points
Date Completed: ___________________________
_____
Part Mastery Level
Activity:
__________________________________________
_____
__________________________________________
_____
__________________________________________
_____
__________________________________________
_____
Near Mastery Level
Activity:
__________________________________________
_____
Mastery Level
Activity:
__________________________________________
______
Total