Instructions
Follow these steps to complete your study of Chapter 1, "The River Bank":
- Read Chapter 1 of The Wind in the Willows carefully, keeping an eye out for interesting descriptions of nature.
- Complete Section 1 (Vocabulary & Spelling) by studying the highlighted words, analyzing their context, and writing your own sentences in the table provided.
- Complete Section 2 (Comprehension & Sequencing) to test your memory of the events and your understanding of the characters.
- Complete Section 3 (Real-World Connection) to write about how the themes of the story connect to your own life.
Section 1: Vocabulary & Spelling Quest
Let's master some of the rich language Kenneth Grahame uses in Chapter 1. Review the spelling of each word, look at its context from the story, and fill in the missing definitions and your own sentences.
Scaffolding Hint: Use a dictionary or context clues from the book to help you define words you don't know yet!
| Vocabulary Word | Story Context / Clue | What It Means (In Your Own Words) | Write Your Own Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whitewash (Example) | "Mole had been working very hard all the morning, spring-cleaning his little home... with whitewash..." | A simple white paint-like mixture used to coat walls and fences. | We decided to whitewash the old wooden fence in our backyard to make it look clean and bright. |
| Imperious | "...sent him scurrying with an imperious wave of his paw." | ||
| Meandered | "The river meandered along, curving gracefully through the green meadows." | ||
| Scrunched | "He scrunched his nose up at the delicious smell of fresh soil and green grass." | ||
| Bivouac | "They made a little temporary bivouac on the grass, unpacking their picnic basket." | ||
| Shunned | "He felt happy having shunned his duties to spend his day idling by the river." |
Section 2: Comprehension & Character Map
Part A: Timeline of Mole's Escape
Number the following events from 1 to 5 in the exact chronological order they occur in Chapter 1.
- [ ] Mole meets the friendly Water Rat and steps into his little blue boat.
- [ ] Mole works hard scraping and dusting his underground home.
- [ ] Mole and Rat pack a wonderful picnic basket filled with cold tongue, ham, and chicken.
- [ ] Mole flings down his brush, shouts "Bother!" and scrambles up to the surface world.
- [ ] Mole sees the river for the very first time and is completely mesmerized by its movement.
Part B: Deep Dive Questions
Answer the questions below in complete, thoughtful sentences.
-
The Call of Spring: Why does Mole suddenly abandon his spring cleaning? What is the feeling or force that pulls him away from his home?
-
Contrast of Characters: Describe the differences between Mole's usual lifestyle underground and Rat's lifestyle on the river. How do these differences make them an excellent pair of friends?
-
The River's Secret: Rat describes the River as his brother and his companion. Why does Rat love the river so much? What does it provide for him?
Section 3: Real-World Connection & Reflection
In this chapter, Water Rat famously says:
"Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing—absolutely nothing—half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats."
Creative Writing Prompt
Mole felt an irresistible urge to escape his chores (spring cleaning) to explore the wild world outside.
Think of a time when you experienced "Spring Fever"—a strong urge to drop your responsibilities (like chores, homework, or practice) to go outside, explore, or just "mess about" with something you enjoy.
- What responsibilities were you supposed to be doing?
- Where did your curiosity lead you?
- Do you think it is important for people to occasionally pause their hard work to explore nature? Why or why not?
Write your response in the space below (4-6 sentences):
Answer Key
Section 1: Vocabulary & Spelling Quest
(Note: Student sentences will vary. Below are sample definitions.)
- Imperious: Bossy, commanding, or showing arrogant superiority. (e.g., "The king made an imperious demand.")
- Meandered: Followed a winding, curving path rather than a straight line. (e.g., "The stream meandered through the forest.")
- Scrunched: Squeezed or crushed together tightly. (e.g., "She scrunched her face when tasting the sour lemon.")
- Bivouac: A temporary camp or outdoor shelter built with minimal equipment. (e.g., "The hikers set up a bivouac beneath the pine trees.")
- Shunned: Deliberately avoided, ignored, or rejected. (e.g., "He shunned the television in order to read his book.")
Section 2: Comprehension & Character Map
Part A: Timeline
- [ 3 ] Mole meets the friendly Water Rat and steps into his little blue boat.
- [ 1 ] Mole works hard scraping and dusting his underground home.
- [ 5 ] Mole and Rat pack a wonderful picnic basket filled with cold tongue, ham, and chicken.
- [ 2 ] Mole flings down his brush, shouts "Bother!" and scrambles up to the surface world.
- [ 4 ] Mole sees the river for the very first time and is completely mesmerized by its movement.
Part B: Deep Dive Questions
- The Call of Spring: Mole abandons his cleaning because "Spring was moving in the air above and in the earth below." He feels an irresistible urge to escape his dark, cramped home for sunlight, fresh air, and freedom.
- Contrast of Characters: Mole is quiet, inexperienced, a bit naive, and has lived a solitary, dark life underground. Rat is adventurous, outgoing, knowledgeable about the world, and loves the dynamic, ever-changing life on the river. They balance each other because Rat can teach Mole about the world, while Mole is a highly appreciative and enthusiastic audience.
- The River's Secret: Rat loves the river because it is full of life, changes constantly, and provides him with everything he needs (food, friends, travel, and beauty). It is his home and his source of endless entertainment.
Section 3: Real-World Connection
Accept any thoughtful, coherent student response that addresses the three prompt questions, showing a connection between the story's theme of leisure/nature and the student's personal experience.