Hatchet

So... I have the second highest group for a literary circle and we decided to use Hatchet as our book. My concern is the book might be too difficult for them to comprehend. I would love any helpful tips you may have for teaching this book. Also, I realize that this is for 4th grade, but I want to help them achieve a higher reading level. Also, I believe that students will rise to the occasion if they know it will be challenging.

 

Hatchet for middle school? It is actually at about a 4th grade reading level.

I don't think Hatchet is too difficult to comprehend in a literary circle.

 

It may actually be too easy for middle school.

 

I'm not saying that it may not be too easy for middle school. I am doing it with 4th grade... For 4th grade the book is actually really hard due to the book's lexile level.

 

I've read it several times with 4th graders and haven't had difficulties. What exactly have your challenges been? Inferencing? Literal comprehension?

 

Comprehension and Vocabulary. Also, some have a low fluency rate.

 

I think I'm confused now...what is your question exactly?

You have a high ability group (second highest), but you're worried about vocabulary and fluency? That's why you are doing it in a literary circle...right?

 

Let me clarify. My students are reading at about a 4.5 level. I have 30 minutes each day with them in a small group (being a student teacher and all). I am assigning chapters for them to read at home every night. I am concerned that I am doing this wrong because I don't see how we'll ever get through this book in time.

 

What activities are you doing in your literary circle?

 

My plan is to review the chapter and pull attention to big details that happen in the story and what's going on with the setting. Sadly, I know some of them aren't reading at home. I am only a student teacher, but I am trying to figure out what works for me. I would greatly appreciate any help you could offer for this book.

 

I used to read that with my 6th grade class. It's around 5th grade level so it's perfect for a 4th grade HA group. Lot's of good figurative lang in that book too!

 

You need to hold them accountable for their reading hw. Perhaps post its tracking their thinking, a summary, guiding questions...some kind of note taking or written response. And accountable all when you meet as a group.

 

This was when I was student teaching last year. I'm using it with my 5th and 6th graders this year and will hold them accountable for reading it.