Novel Study for Grade 7/8

By Donna Logan

Teacher Notes

This novel study was written with the hope that teachers would use whatever works for them and their class and either change, omit or add to what doesn’t!

The vocabulary and comprehension activities may be assigned as class work or homework. They can also be presented in a variety of ways to spark interest and add some variety to the study.

Some suggestions:

  • vary student groupings during work time by using partners, trios, and small groups
  • challenge students to list synonyms or antonyms for vocabulary words
  • rewrite the quotations and use a thesaurus to replace underlined words
  • create a word search puzzle
  • discuss comprehension questions in a literacy circle or small group
  • play a Jeopardy format game where definitions are given and students must identify the vocabulary words

Marks may be complied from:

  • vocabulary and comprehension questions (or use to assign a class participation mark or comment)
  • letter writing
  • character profiles
  • travel log
  • mini research projects
  • project presentations
  • descriptive paragraph writing
  • final quiz

The culminating task topics can be used as discussion topics during class or literature circle discussions. The projects will provide students with a wide range of choice and with an opportunity to be innovative and creative. Projects should be presented and celebrated!
Other activities, such as cooking gallette, sketching with charcoal and making a Native craft, have been included to add fun, interest and to make the novel come to life for students. Enjoy!


For information about the Ontario Ministry of Education Expectations for Grade 7/8, click HERE.


Outline of Student Activities

Chapter 1 Vocabulary, Comprehension, Character Profiles — to get study guide, click HERE.
Chapter 2 Vocabulary, Comprehension, Similes, Travel Log — to get study guide, click HERE.
Chapter 3 Vocabulary, Comprehension, Mini Research: Ships & Sailing — to get study guide, click HERE.
Chapter 4 Vocabulary, Comprehension, Foreshadowing — to get study guide, click HERE.
Chapter 5 Vocabulary, Comprehension, Letter Writing — to get study guide, click HERE.
Chapter 6 Vocabulary, Comprehension — to get study guide, click HERE.
Chapter 7 Vocabulary, Comprehension, Sketching with charcoal — to get study guide, click HERE.
Chapter 8 Vocabulary, Comprehension — to get study guide, click HERE.
Chapter 9 Vocabulary, Comprehension — to get study guide, click HERE.
Chapter 10 Vocabulary, Comprehension, Make gallette — to get study guide, click HERE.
Chapter 11 Vocabulary, Comprehension — to get study guide, click HERE.
Chapter 12 Vocabulary, Comprehension, Mini Research: Biographies — to get study guide, click HERE.
Chapter 13 Vocabulary, Comprehension — to get study guide, click HERE.
Chapter 14 Vocabulary, Comprehension, Writing Descriptive Paragraphs — to get study guide, click HERE.
Chapter 15 Vocabulary, Comprehension, Introduce Culminating Task — to get study guide, click HERE.
Chapter 16 Vocabulary, Comprehension — to get study guide, click HERE.
Chapter 17 Vocabulary, Comprehension, Native Craft — to get study guide, click HERE.
Chapter 18 Vocabulary, Comprehension — to get study guide, click HERE.
Culminating Task - Research and Presentations
Final Multiple Choice Quiz — to get the quiz, click HERE.

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