Student Activities for Hatchet
Essential Questions for Hatchet
- How can a single event change the direction of a plot?
- What is conflict, and how does the author use it in this work of literature?
- What qualities/skills (both mental and physical) are required to survive alone and without resources?
A Quick Hatchet Summary
Thirteen-year-old Brian is flying to see his dad, following his parents’ stressful divorce and split custody agreement. When his pilot (the only other person in the plane) has a heart attack, Brian survives the ensuing crash-landing and has to learn how to survive alone in the woods of Canada. Banged up and without gear, Brian faces wild animals, brutal weather, and his own doubts and fears. He also spends a lot of time thinking about his “big secret”.
Time passes, and Brian becomes more adept at surviving. Luckily, as a going-away gift, his mom had given him a hatchet to take with him. Brian is able to create fire with the hatchet, a surprising turn of events that winds up helping with much of his survival efforts. He also learns to fish with a spear that he whittles with the hatchet. Eventually, he figures out how to catch meat, a huge accomplishment in his eyes. Some of his more memorable struggles include being pierced by porcupine quills, being blinded by skunk spray when he attempts to keep it from eating his foraged turtle eggs, having a run-in with a bear, and being brutally attacked by a moose. Brian also survives hordes of mosquitoes, near starvation, and a massive tornado.
His character grows stronger throughout the book, physically and mentally. After much toil and fearful happenings, Brian is finally rescued - alive, and with a better outlook on his life.
How Tos about Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
Engage students with a survival scenario writing activity
Invite students to imagine themselves in Brian's situation and write a short story or journal entry about surviving alone in the wilderness. This interactive activity helps students connect personally with the text, deepening their understanding of character development and survival themes.
Set clear expectations for creative writing
Clarify your goals for the assignment, such as focusing on realistic problem-solving, emotional responses, and using vivid details. Giving students specific criteria empowers them to produce thoughtful, engaging work.
Model brainstorming techniques
Demonstrate how to brainstorm possible challenges, solutions, and emotional reactions Brian or the student would face. Creating a class mind map encourages students to think critically and creatively before they write.
Provide structured writing supports
Offer graphic organizers, sentence starters, or checklists to guide students through the writing process. Scaffolding supports help all learners succeed and stay on track.
Facilitate peer sharing and feedback
Encourage students to share their stories in pairs or small groups and give constructive feedback. This builds confidence and helps them refine their work while learning from others.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
What are some quick and easy lesson ideas for teaching Hatchet by Gary Paulsen?
Quick and easy lesson ideas for Hatchet include character mapping, exploring types of conflict, survival scenario writing, and group discussions on plot-changing events. Use storyboards and role-play to engage students and deepen understanding.
How does conflict drive the plot in Hatchet?
Conflict is a central theme in Hatchet, driving the plot through Brian's struggles against nature, animals, and his own doubts. These challenges shape his growth and keep the story moving forward.
What survival skills does Brian learn in Hatchet?
Brian learns essential survival skills such as creating fire, fishing with a spear, foraging, shelter building, and overcoming mental obstacles. These skills help him adapt and survive in the wilderness.
What is the main lesson students can take from Hatchet?
The main lesson from Hatchet is the importance of resilience, problem-solving, and adaptability in overcoming difficult situations, both physically and emotionally.
What are effective ways to introduce conflict in a Hatchet lesson plan?
Effective ways to introduce conflict include analyzing key moments, comparing internal and external struggles, and having students identify how each conflict alters Brian’s journey in the story.
- Altimeter • leighklotz • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
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