Activity Overview
In this activity, students will examine the author’s point of view and identify ways this view is unique in understanding elements of the story.
- The narrator describes the Native Americans and their interactions with whites.
- The narrator reveals the way of life for those living around 1849.
- The narrator unveils the connection between humans and nature.
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
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the descriptions, identify ways in which the narrator's view is unique in understanding the elements of the story.
- Add illustrations for each quote using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three Points of View | The student includes three different points of view in the description of each cell. | The student includes two different points of view in the description of each cell. | The student includes one point of view in the description of each cell. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes is appropriate and neat. Time and care is taken to ensure that scenes are eye-catching and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes is appropriate but may seem rushed. Some art may be haphazardly placed and lack of attention to detail is noticeable. | The art chosen to depict the scenes is inappropriate or too limited. Some scenes may have been left blank. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. |
Activity Overview
In this activity, students will examine the author’s point of view and identify ways this view is unique in understanding elements of the story.
- The narrator describes the Native Americans and their interactions with whites.
- The narrator reveals the way of life for those living around 1849.
- The narrator unveils the connection between humans and nature.
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
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the descriptions, identify ways in which the narrator's view is unique in understanding the elements of the story.
- Add illustrations for each quote using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three Points of View | The student includes three different points of view in the description of each cell. | The student includes two different points of view in the description of each cell. | The student includes one point of view in the description of each cell. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes is appropriate and neat. Time and care is taken to ensure that scenes are eye-catching and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes is appropriate but may seem rushed. Some art may be haphazardly placed and lack of attention to detail is noticeable. | The art chosen to depict the scenes is inappropriate or too limited. Some scenes may have been left blank. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. |
How Tos about The Birchbark\'s House Author\'s Point of View
Introduce point of view with relatable examples
Begin your lesson by sharing simple, everyday situations where different people may see the same event differently. For example, discuss how a playground disagreement might look from each child's perspective. Relating point of view to students’ own experiences helps them understand the concept before applying it to literature.
Model identifying the narrator’s perspective in a read-aloud
Read a short passage from The Birchbark House aloud. Pause to think aloud about clues that reveal the narrator’s point of view, such as word choice or what the narrator focuses on. Demonstrate how to spot evidence of the author’s unique perspective.
Guide students to find evidence of point of view in text
Ask students to work in pairs or small groups to reread a selected passage. Challenge them to highlight or jot down words, phrases, or sentences that show the narrator’s perspective. Encourage discussion about how these details help readers understand the story’s world.
Create anchor charts to compare perspectives
Collaborate with students to build an anchor chart that lists examples of the narrator’s point of view alongside what a different character or an outside observer might notice. Visual comparisons make abstract concepts more concrete and accessible.
Have students illustrate point of view with scenes from the story
Invite students to draw or digitally illustrate a scene from The Birchbark House as the narrator would see it, then from another character’s perspective. This creative activity deepens understanding and reinforces how point of view shapes storytelling.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Birchbark\'s House Author\'s Point of View
What is the author's point of view in The Birchbark House?
The author's point of view in The Birchbark House provides a unique perspective on Native American life in 1849, highlighting daily routines, cultural values, and the interactions between Native Americans and white settlers.
How can students analyze the narrator's perspective in The Birchbark House?
Students can analyze the narrator's perspective by identifying passages that reveal the narrator's feelings, cultural background, and observations about the world, then discussing how these elements shape the story's themes and characters.
Why is understanding the narrator’s point of view important in this story?
Understanding the narrator’s point of view is important because it helps readers see how the story’s events and characters are shaped by cultural context, personal beliefs, and the time period, making the reading experience more meaningful.
What are some unique aspects of the narrator’s view in The Birchbark House?
Unique aspects include a deep connection to nature, an insider’s perspective on Ojibwe traditions, and a nuanced portrayal of relationships between Native Americans and white settlers during the 1800s.
What are effective ways to teach point of view using The Birchbark House in grades 4-5?
Effective strategies include having students find textual evidence of the narrator’s perspective, creating illustrations for key scenes, and comparing the narrator’s view to their own or to other stories about similar events.
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