Discussion Strategies Activities

            For the first activity, I decided to create a list of discussion questions for Chapters 1-5 of Hatchet. These would be used in the “Pose-Pause-Pounce-Bounce” technique to stimulate a conversation about the early parts of the book.

1.      Pre-reading: If you were stuck on a deserted island, what one item would you bring and why?
2.      Chapter One: What do you think “The Secret” is?
3.      Chapter Two: Brian says he has two options; wait to run out of fuel or increase his speed and crash sooner. What are the advantages/disadvantages of each? Does he have any other options?
4.      Chapter Three: Have you ever had a near death experience?
5.      Chapter Four: Why do you think the author starts Chapter 4 with Brian’s memory/flashback?
6.      Chapter Five: Brian remembers advice from his teacher, Mr. Perpich, to stay positive in any situation. Do you think having a positive mindset will help him in his situation? Can someone’s attitude have a significant effect on their actions?


The second activity incorporates Thunking. Below is a list of Thunks, some taken from the website http://www.thunks.co.uk/.

In Hatchet, Brian survives his plane crash and is forced to survive in the Canadian wilderness for 54 days. All of the Thunks listed below are geared towards getting students to think about Brian’s situation and some of the internal struggles he deals with in the wilderness. I think it would be beneficial to present these before reading the book and record the responses, then after reading the book ask them again and see if their feelings and thoughts change.

1.      If you could take a pill which meant you would never fail, would you take it?
2.      Should people have the right to choose when they die?
3.      Agree or disagree: Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
4.      Do you have to experience sadness to appreciate happiness?

5.      Respond to the following quote: “The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.”

Comments

  1. Anya BentApril 17, 2017 at 4:11 PM

    Great ideas, and this is a book that a lot of children really love to read and discuss. I like how you ask the "what if " questions too. Nice job.

    ReplyDelete

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