Sign of the Beaver - Study Guide

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.

Check out other titles by this award-winning author:
The Bronze Bow
The Witch of Blackbird Pond

Progeny Press' Sign of the Beaver English/Language Arts curriculum provides your Middle School grade student with:

About the Author: Learn about Elizabeth George Speare, the talented author behind the inspiring story.
Background Information: Discover life in settlements of Maine during the early 1600sand the rich history of the region's local Native American tribes. Better understand the interactions between settlers and the tribes, as well as the challenges of life in the New England wilderness.
Vocabulary: Expand your language skills with activities that reinforce understanding and retention, using words and phrases used in the novel.
Literary Techniques: Learn how setting, contrast, and characterization help shape the narrative. Examine cause and effect, conflict, complications, and resolution, and understand the central theme of the story. Practice analyzing fact vs. opinion, synonyms, and antonyms to enhance critical thinking.
Moral Lessons and Character Values: Uncover moral and spiritual lessons embedded in the story. Reflect on themes like hospitality, respect, friendship, truth, and criticism. Discuss concepts such as coming-of-age, doing unto others, the Spirit of God, and lessons from Noah. Learn how gambling and our decisions affect our lives and relationships.
Activities and Writing Assignments: Create maps, design a mural, or research the New England colonies. Dig into the relationships between settlers and local tribes. Explore nature with a camping trip, and engage in meaningful discussions about race relations. 
Suggestions for Further Reading: Continue your exploration with more works by Elizabeth George Speare and other captivating books about early American history and themes of survival, courage, and friendship that share themes and elements with The Sign of the Beaver.

All of Progeny Press' Language Arts unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview!

Features and Benefits of a Progeny Press ELA study guide

Printed Workbook Format

• Large 8.5x11 format is convenient to read and easy on Middle School student's eyes
• Every question in our novel unit study has plenty of whitespace for middle school level student answers
• Encourages neat and clean handwriting practice
• Easily transports without the need for a laptop or other expensive equipment
• Provides a permanent record of the middle school student’s work
• Complete, removable answer key included for the teacher to make grading simple!

CD Format

• Contains the complete study guide in universally compatible PDF format (works on Mac AND Windows)
• 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.
• Upgraded, fillable form fields allow the student the opportunity to complete their work on the computer, saving you printing costs
• 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
• PDF format makes it easy to use with multiple students
• Complete answer key PDF file included for the teacher to make grading simple!

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!

Book Awards:
Newbery Medal Honor   •   California Young Reader Nominee   •   Josette Frank Award   •   Christopher Award   •   Booklist Editors' Choice   •   Horn Book Fanfare   •   Scott O'Dell Award   •   ALA Notable Children's Book   •   ALA Best BookYA   •   Young Hoosier nominee   •   NYTimes Best Book