The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett - Novel Study

 

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a great way for Middle School students to explore themes of compassion, friendship, mental and physical health and how nature is transformative.

Here are the questions for The Secret Garden. I have included critical thinking, theme exploration, character analysis, literary analysis, writing prompts, extension activities and Christian application.

This classic story gives students so much to ponder on!

I hope that you enjoy it!

Blessings,

Natalie

The Railway Children by Edith Nesbit - Chapter 10 - "The Terrible Secret"

 

*** my apologies to the first people that downloaded these questions. I have fixed them now***

In Chapter 10, "The Terrible Secret," Bobbie discovers a shocking truth about her father's absence. Bobbie, reflecting on this, decides to question her mother about her father's whereabouts.

Bobbie is heartbroken by the revelation but feels a renewed sense of purpose. She decides that she must do everything she can to help her family.

There are some great themes in this chapter and opportunities for younger students to think about being in Bobbie's shoes.

Here are the questions based on The Railway Children by Edith Nesbit - Chapter 10 - "The Terrible Secret". They include literary analysis, critical thinking questions, short writing prompts, Christian application and extension activities. 

Blessings,

Natalie

Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog by Pamela S. Turner

 

A great true story to explore with your middle school students is Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog by Pamela S. Turner.

Though it is a picture book, it is still applicable to this age level. There are much to explore, especially around the theme of loyalty. 

Here is the handout for Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog. I have included critical thinking questions, literary analysis, writing prompts, extension activities and Christian application.

I hope that you enjoy this story.

Blessings,

Natalie

Belle - Movies for Learning

Belle is a movie based on the life of Dido Elizabeth Belle in the 1700's. It is about a mixed race woman who was born illegitimate but became an heiress in her time. 

Dido Elizabeth Belle and Lady Elizabeth Murray 1778 by David Martin

The theme of racial identity was a driving force in the movie. It also reflected the belief about status and birth. The theme of slavery runs through this movie which helps students to see how life was during this time.

Here are the questions for Belle. These questions are geared to Grades 7-9.

I hope that your students enjoy this movie,

Blessings,

Natalie

Woodsong - "We have bear trouble..." by Gary Paulsen

 

Woodsong is a memoir of Gary Paulsen's life and "We have bear trouble..." is a peek into that life and his transformation in how he approaches nature and his environment.

You can find an audio version of the book on You-tube. Or you can access it at your local library. You may be able to find this chapter online, but I am sorry, I don't have a link for you.

Here is the handout for Grade 6 which as always can be adapted to other grades. I have included critical thinking questions, theme exploration, writing prompts, Christian application and extension activities. 

Blessings,

Natalie

Scout's Honor by Avi

 

Scout's Honor by Avi is available in this anthology on Archive.org or you could source it in another way. An audio version is available on You-tube. 

It is a story about an adventure of three young scouts in Brooklyn in the 1920's. It is great for a Grade 6 student to study.

Here is the handout for this study including literary analysis, character analysis, critical thinking questions, writing prompts, Christian application and extension ideas.

I hope you enjoy Scout's Honor with your students. As always, this study could be adapted for another grade level. 

Blessings,

Natalie