Description
Twelve year-old Matt and his father have come to Maine territory to clear land and build a home for their family. After the two of them build a log cabin, Matt's father returns to Massachusetts to bring back the rest of the family: Matt's mother, his sister, and a new baby. While his father is gone, Matt stays alone in the cabin to guard their home and care for the corn. Matt knows that he will get lonely without his father and his family, but he expects to enjoy his independence and freedom. What he does not expect, however, is the arrival of a white stranger who is both friendly and treacherous. When the stranger disappears - along with his father's gun - Matt now faces much greater danger, and discovers the challenge of acquiring enough food for himself without a gun. After a series of mishaps leaves Matt dependent on the tribe of neighboring Indians, he discovers the problems of communicating with, depending upon, and understanding people from a different culture. The Indian boy, Attean, will teach Matt ways to survive and what true friendship is.
The Sign of the Beaver 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 the Secret Garden Language Arts Digital Study Guide provides your Middle School student with:
ELA Built for Ages 10–13 • Grades 5–7
This faith-based literature guide helps young students build early reading and comprehension skills through engaging, age-appropriate activities.
About the Author: Learn about Elizabeth George Speare, and her love of historical fiction.
Background Information: Journey to the early 1600s settlement of Maine, where the local Abnaki tribe adds cultural depth to Speare's storytelling.
Vocabulary: Boost your comprehension of the novel's language through a variety of activities.
Literary Techniques: Analyze literary techniques such as setting, contrast, sharing, synonyms, antonyms, fact vs. opinion, characterization, cause and effect, conflict, complications, resolution, and theme.
Moral Lessons and Character Values: Discuss lessons of hospitality, respect, friendship, truth, dealing with criticism, embodying the spirit of Noah, navigating the complexities of gambling, adhering to the golden rule of "do unto others," experiencing coming-of-age, and recognizing the presence of the Spirit of God.
Activities and Writing Assignments: Participate in a selection of activities, from mapping key locations to creating murals that depict the essence of the story, engaging in camping experiences, researching the New England colonies, and exploring race relations through thoughtful discussions.
Suggestions for Further Reading: We include a wonderful reading list of more books by the same author(s) and other books that tie in with, or are similar to, Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare.
What Will You Need?
A Complete Language Arts Experience with Progeny Press
- A copy of The Sign of the Beaver
- 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 young 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!
