North and South by Edith Gaskell (Chapter 22 - A Blow and it's Consequences)

North and South is an excellent way to explore the Industrial Revolution. Edith Gaskell is balanced in her approach as she explores the challenges for workers and owners during this time. 

Here are the questions for Chapter 22 of North and South. Chapter 22 is a pivotal part of the novel, and a great opportunity to explore the challenges our characters face. I have included literary analysis, Christian application, compare and contrast writing prompts and creative extension ideas.

If you would like to explore North and South in the miniseries version, many students over the years have learned more about The Industrial Revolution through this series. Here are the links to episode one, episode two, episode three and episode four questions. 

I hope that you enjoy this opportunity!

Blessings,

Natalie

Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy (Chapter 6 - The Fair - The Journey - The Fire)

Far From the Madding Crowd is a novel about changes of fortune while living in Victorian England. It is the story about Bathsheba Everdene who learns about character and loyalty through her relationships. 

Chapter six focuses on Gabriel Oak and his change of circumstances, his diligence and his selflessness. Here are the questions for your High School students based on chapter six of Far From the Madding Crowd. There is literary analysis, Christian application, essay writing prompts with a rubric and extension ideas.

If you are interested in the Movies for Learning session for Far From the Madding Crowd. Here is a link to the questions and the exploration of the movie.  

Blessings,

Natalie

The Lost Boys of Sudan; The Long, Long Road to Fargo by Sara Corbett

 

In the New York Times, the article The Lost Boys of Sudan; The Long, Long Road to Fargo by Sara Corbett, is an excellent way for High School students to put themselves in the shoes of three young men coming from Sudan and immigrating to the United States.

Here is the study for The Lost Boys of Sudan including historical context, literary analysis, critical thinking questions, essay prompts, Christian application and extension activities. 

You may want to explore the movie The Good Lie which is also about the "Lost Boys" of Sudan. Here are the questions from a Movies for Learning session on The Good Lie.

I hope that your students are challenged by this study.

Blessings,

Natalie

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

 

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

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

 

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is an opportunity for students to explore themes of prejudice, injustice, coming of age and compassion. 

It is a story that resonates today with students even though it was published in 1960. The deep themes transcend time and place. 

Here is the handout for To Kill a Mockingbird. It includes critical thinking and literary analysis questions, theme analysis questions, essay prompts with rubric, Christian application and possible extension activities.

Students also enjoyed this as a Movies for Learning. Here are the questions for To Kill a Mockingbird.

I hope your students will dive deep into To Kill a Mockingbird.

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