Click here for a sample section of the Swiss Family Robinson Study Guide Get the book Swiss Family Robinson HERE
A Swiss family is traveling to a new colony when their ship is blown off course in a six-day storm and runs aground near an uninhabited island. The father, mother, and their four sons escape the wrecked ship and make their way ashore to find that they are the only survivors of the wreck. Salvaging what resources they can from the wreck, the family begins carving out a solitary existence on the island, uncertain when or if a rescue ship will ever arrive.
Despite dangerous animals, torrential monsoons, and the loneliness of isolation, they face all their hardships with energy, ingenuity, and the knowledge that God is always with them.
Teacher's Note: Swiss Family Robinson was originally written in the German language in Switzerland by Johann David Wyss. It was then translated in 1813 by Isabelle de Montolieu and then subsequently translated into English by William H. G. Kingston, first published in 1879. Over the years there have been many versions of the story with episodes added, changed, or deleted. We have written the guide based on the Yearling edition published by Random House containing 44 chapters. Any other edition may be numbered or chaptered differently, and the content may be slightly different.
Through Johann David Wyss' imaginative and fascinating adventure, students will learn:
About the Author: Learn about Johann David Wyss.
Vocabulary words used throughout the novel, utilizing a variety of activities to stimulate retention and growth.
Literary Techniques: Characterization, cause and effect, synonym, antonym, allusion, in context, dictionary, anthropomorphism, simile, metaphor, understatement, foreshadow, paraphrase, point of view, conflict, protagonist, antagonist, complications, resolution, theme, literary contrivance.
Moral Lessons and Character Values: God's help, prayer, contentment, Sabbath, work, provision, pride, strength, optimism, pessimism, perseverance, independence, honor parents, encouragement.
Activities and Writing Assignments: Research papers, geography, discussion groups, sailing, botany, journaling, shipwreck project, art, field trip, movies.
Suggestions for Further Reading: We include a wonderful reading list of more books by the same author(s) and other books and movies that tie in with, or are similar to, Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss.
All of the unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview!
E-guide Format
We love PP - so much easier on a child that would rather type then hand write - makes teaching much easier.
We have used a few Progeny Press guides and they worked quite well for us. The kids are able to work through the book systematically and independently.
Great guide!
The original story has been translated and adapted many times. Before purchasing the guide I was unaware that they base it off the Kingston translation of the text. However, even that translation can have differing chapter divisions. The book I already had in my home is not this translation and it is virtually impossible to know where my student should start and stop reading for each guide division. Unfortunately, since I purchased the e-guide, I can not do a return. So...be sure you have the recommended W.H.G. Kingston translation and preferably the edition published by Random House.
We haven't used it yet...I'm preparing for summer and next year's curriculum. I purchased five different unit studies, have reviewed them and I am so excited to work on them in the months to come! They are exactly what I was looking for for our children. The time and detail put into these unit studies are truly a blessing. Thank you so much for sharing your hard work and effort to give moms like me, who don't have the time to do this myself, the opportunity to ensure for my children a full and well rounded unit study! I definitely recommend your products! God Bless!