SIGN OF THE BEAVER: READING COMPREHENSION & NOVEL UNIT OF STUDY

Sign of the Beaver is the perfect historical fiction to read to understand Native American and Colonial Life while becoming engrossed in a beautiful story.

The Sign of the Beaver is a novel by Elizabeth George Speare, first published in 1983. The story is set in 1768 and follows the adventures of Matt, a 13-year-old boy who is left alone in the wilderness of Maine to guard his family's newly built cabin while his father goes back to Massachusetts to bring the rest of the family. Matt befriends Attean, a Native American boy, who teaches him survival skills and helps him navigate the wilderness. Through their friendship, Matt learns about Attean's culture and way of life, as well as the prejudices and conflicts between white settlers and Native Americans during this time period.

A unit of study on The Sign of the Beaver involves reading and discussing the novel in class, as well as completing various activities and assignments to deepen students' understanding of the text. Reading comprehension activities include vocabulary exercises, comprehension questions, and analyzing character development and plot elements. Students might also engage in discussions about themes such as friendship, cultural differences, and the impact of colonization.

This 45 page ready-to-use unit of ELA resources with extension activities was prepared to use with Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare.

It includes:

. chapter-by-chapter reading comprehension questions

.pre- and post- writing assessments

. research projects - Maine

. art extensions for bulletin board

. 3d model creation.

Students will learn about Native American tribes and design their own model Native American town.