paddle to the sea / Lesson Plan

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Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will have a deeper understanding of the themes and messages in "Paddle to the Sea" by Holling Clancy Holling. They will also explore the journey of the wooden canoe and discuss the importance of nature and geography in storytelling.

Materials and Prep

  • A copy of "Paddle to the Sea" by Holling Clancy Holling (or access to the story online)
  • Paper and colored pencils or crayons
  • A map of North America (can be drawn or printed)
  • A quiet space for reading and activities

Before the lesson, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with the main plot of the story and the geographical locations mentioned in it. This will enhance the discussion and activities.

Activities

  • Story Reading and Discussion:

    Begin by reading "Paddle to the Sea" together. After each chapter, pause to discuss what has happened so far. Ask questions about the paddle's journey and the different environments it encounters.

  • Create Your Own Paddle:

    Using paper and colored pencils, have the student design their own paddle. They can draw what they imagine their paddle would look like and write a short description of where it would travel.

  • Map the Journey:

    Using the map of North America, have the student trace the route that Paddle takes in the story. They can mark important locations and draw symbols representing different events that happen along the way.

  • Nature Exploration:

    If possible, take a short walk outside to observe nature. Encourage the student to think about how the environments they see might be similar or different to those Paddle encounters in the story.

Talking Points

  • "What do you think Paddle represents in the story? How does his journey reflect the journey of life?"
  • "How does the author use different environments to tell the story? Can you name a few places Paddle visits?"
  • "Why do you think it’s important for Paddle to travel through so many different areas? What does that teach us about nature?"
  • "What challenges does Paddle face on his journey? How do these challenges relate to our own experiences?"
  • "In what ways does Paddle's story inspire you to explore and appreciate nature?"