Activity Overview
After you've finished reading Hatchet, or after finishing a chapter, ask your students to complete a literary element scavenger hunt! Give them a list of elements or devices to find and have them create a storyboard that depicts and explains the use of each in the story! They will have an absolute blast and earn mastery of the words when they are completed.
Possible literary elements include:
- simile
- metaphor
- personification
- hyperbole
- allusion
- alliteration
- foreshadowing
- flashback
- analogy
- irony
- mood
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows different literary elements from Hatchet by Gary Paulsen.
- Review your list of literary elements.
- Look for three examples of literary elements from the text.
- Illustrate each example using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
- Type in a description of what the literary element does to enhance Hatchet.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Literary Elements | All literary elements are correctly identified. | Most literary elements are correctly identified. | Few literary elements are correctly identified. |
| Illustration | Illustrations show attention to the details of the story and demonstrate connection to the literary elements. | Illustrations demonstrate connection to the literary elements. | Illustrations show little connection to the literary elements. |
| Description of Literary Elements | Descriptions clearly explain what the literary elements do to enhance the story. | Most descriptions tell what the literary elements do to enhance the story. | Descriptions are unrelated to the literary elements. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
After you've finished reading Hatchet, or after finishing a chapter, ask your students to complete a literary element scavenger hunt! Give them a list of elements or devices to find and have them create a storyboard that depicts and explains the use of each in the story! They will have an absolute blast and earn mastery of the words when they are completed.
Possible literary elements include:
- simile
- metaphor
- personification
- hyperbole
- allusion
- alliteration
- foreshadowing
- flashback
- analogy
- irony
- mood
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows different literary elements from Hatchet by Gary Paulsen.
- Review your list of literary elements.
- Look for three examples of literary elements from the text.
- Illustrate each example using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
- Type in a description of what the literary element does to enhance Hatchet.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Literary Elements | All literary elements are correctly identified. | Most literary elements are correctly identified. | Few literary elements are correctly identified. |
| Illustration | Illustrations show attention to the details of the story and demonstrate connection to the literary elements. | Illustrations demonstrate connection to the literary elements. | Illustrations show little connection to the literary elements. |
| Description of Literary Elements | Descriptions clearly explain what the literary elements do to enhance the story. | Most descriptions tell what the literary elements do to enhance the story. | Descriptions are unrelated to the literary elements. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
How Tos about Literary Elements in Hatchet
How can I help students create original examples of literary elements inspired by Hatchet?
Encourage students to brainstorm their own versions of literary devices based on themes or events from Hatchet. Ask them to think about Brian's experiences and come up with creative similes, metaphors, or personification that could fit into the story.
Guide students to write and share their examples.
Have students write their original literary element sentences on paper or digitally, then invite them to share with a partner or small group. Model active listening and give peers a chance to ask questions or give constructive feedback.
Display exemplary student-created literary elements for the class.
Select a few creative examples and post them on a bulletin board or display them digitally. Recognize students for their effort and originality, motivating others to participate in future activities.
Connect students’ literary elements back to the novel.
Facilitate a discussion about how their new examples relate to Brian’s journey or the themes in Hatchet. Highlight how figurative language can enhance storytelling and deepen understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about Literary Elements in Hatchet
What are some literary elements used in Hatchet by Gary Paulsen?
Hatchet features several literary elements such as simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, allusion, alliteration, foreshadowing, flashback, analogy, irony, and mood. These devices help convey the story's themes and emotions effectively.
How can I teach literary elements from Hatchet in a fun way?
A great method is a literary element scavenger hunt. Give students a list of elements to find in Hatchet, then have them create a storyboard that illustrates and explains each element with scenes and characters from the book.
What is a literary element scavenger hunt for Hatchet?
A scavenger hunt asks students to search for specific literary elements within Hatchet. Students identify examples from the text, then illustrate and describe how each element enhances the story, boosting comprehension and engagement.
What grade level is suitable for a Hatchet literary elements activity?
The Hatchet literary elements activity is designed for grades 6–8. It helps students at a developing to mastery level analyze and understand figurative language and literary devices in the novel.
Can students work individually on the Hatchet literary elements storyboard?
Yes, this activity is ideal for individual work. Each student reviews the list of literary elements, finds examples in the text, and creates their own storyboard to showcase understanding of Hatchet.
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