Closed for the Season

Consider the novel’s approach to prejudice and social hierarchy among neighbors, townspeople, and peer groups. According to different characters, what makes some individuals more popular or valuable than other? What lessons can be learned from the ways the characters interact and attach value to behaviors and possessions?

Teaching Suggestion: It may be helpful for students to consider the qualities to which characters in the novel attach value other than wealth. For example, students might think about popularity, intelligence, behavior, morality, and other items to which some characters attach significance.

Differentiation Suggestion: Students who benefit from additional assistance with analysis may find it helpful to narrow their topics by analyzing what characters find important. Consider providing students with a list of characters to analyze such as the DiSilvios, Logan and his family members, and Arthur. Students also may find it helpful to review specific passages from the novel that refer to prejudices the characters may have. 

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

"The Magic Forest"

In this activity, students will redesign and update the Magic Forest amusement park based on text details.