Description
Eleven-year-old Phillip lives with his parents on an island off the coast of Venezuela in 1942, but when the Nazi's begin torpedoing ships nearby, Phillip's mother insists that he and she return to the United States. Their ship is torpedoed by a Nazi submarine long before they reach the U.S., however, and Phillip finds himself marooned on an island with an old, but strong, black deckhand named Timothy. But when Phillip goes blind from an injury, he slowly realizes how caring, wise, and resourceful Timothy really is, and the color of their skin is unimportant.
The Cay Digital Download Literature Study Guide
Formatted with your Middle School grade student in mind, Progeny Press language arts study guides divide the book into writing assignments and lessons that strengthen their reading comprehension, vocabulary, and refine their critical analysis and writing skills. Each Progeny Press novel study accomplishes all of this without busy work that can drain the fun out of reading and literature! Kids have loved using Progeny Press ELA curriculum in homeschool, co-ops, and private schools around the world for over 30 years!
What Progeny Press' The Cay Literature Curriculum Digital Study Guide provides your Middle School student:
ELA Built for Ages 10–14 • Grades 5–8
Our faith-based literature study guide helps students strengthen their reading and comprehension skills through engaging, age-appropriate activities.
About the Author: Discover the life of Theodore Taylor and gain insight into how their experience influenced the book.
Background information: Explore the historical context of World War II and the complexities of race relations that shape the narrative.
Vocabulary: Enhance your understanding of the novel's words through activities designed to boost retention and growth.
Literary Techniques: Study a rich array of literary techniques, including in-context analysis, dictionary exploration, simile, point of view, characterization, metaphor, dialect, symbolism, foreshadowing, anthropomorphism, and more.
Moral Lessons and Character Values: Analyze moral lessons, addressing authority, fear, the importance of inner character, the essence of a Good Samaritan, luck, work, wisdom, comfort, humility, death, sacrifice, love, despair, and the pervasive issue of racism.
Activities and Writing Assignments: Engage in a variety of additional activities, from writing and mapping to exploring timelines, creating art, discussing biographies, debating, exploring the Coast Guard, understanding blindness, delving into science, learning about hurricanes, crafting poems, delivering eulogies, and exploring themes related to Martin Luther King, Jr., public speaking, and handicaps.
Suggestions for Further Reading: Expand your library with a curated reading list featuring more works by Theodore Taylor and other titles that align with or echo the themes of, The Cay.
What Will You Need?
A Complete Language Arts Experience with Progeny Press
- A copy of The Cay
- A Bible (digital or physical)
- A dictionary (child-friendly or online)
This flexible homeschool resource includes open-ended discussions and optional writing activities that support foundational ELA skills without overwhelming growing learners.
Designed for YOU
- Homeschool families looking for Christian literature curriculum
- Schools looking for high quality ELA materials
- Parents wanting to build reading comprehension and character
- Co-ops and small group instruction
These guides work well on their own or alongside your preferred grammar and phonics program.
Features and Benefits FAQ - Progeny Press ELA PDF Study Guide:
Why Schools & Families Love Our Study Guides:
- Easy to follow and open-and-go
- Encourages family discussions and biblical connections
- Engaging activities that support reading comprehension
- Grows with your child’s ability and interest
- No busywork—just meaningful, faith-filled learning
Digital Format Details:
- Download instantly—no shipping required
- Works on Mac, PC, and most tablets
- Fillable form fields allow on-screen answers or easy printing
- No costly software purchases necessary. PDF files open in the FREE Adobe Reader program.
Note: Mobile devices may require an alternative app that supports and saves fillable form fields and interactive features. - Conveniently print what you need, when you need it
- Print the whole ELA study guide at once
- Print single literature lessons or pages as the student completes them
- Print multiple copies of the entire curriculum study guide for classroom sets
All of Progeny Press' language arts PDF download unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview!
